May Latest Updates
International Association for Democracy
The International Association for Democracy (IAD) is an NGO that works to defend and promote democracy around the globe.
Here comes our May Newsletter. There have been many significant events in the world that you might have missed. The most interesting of them you will find them here.
The 2024 EU Elections: Why It Is Important to Vote
The 2024 EU elections, from June 6th to 9th, are fast approaching. Here's why you should vote:
Make your voice heard between 6 and 9 June – vote in the 2024 European elections!
Democracy Latest Developments
The 50th Anniversary of the Carnation Revolution
April 25, 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the most defining moment in Portugal’s history, the Carnation Revolution. This day represents the peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in a coup that almost bloodlessly overthrew the Estado Novo dictatorship which had been in power since 1933.
South Africa Celebrates 30 Years Since the Ending of Apartheid
On April 27th, South Africa celebrated its 30th anniversary marking the end of Apartheid and the beginning of democratic tradition in the nation. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the celebration in Cape Town, stating, “The shackles have been cast off, the shackles that have tied us down for hundreds of years. The weight of centuries of oppression was no longer holding us down.” His remarks touched on national progress and unification despite the burden of its past. “Thirty years later, we gather as a united people.”
Haitian President Ariel Henry Leaves Power as Transitional Council Takes Power
Haitian President Ariel Henry has left office in response to a gang-led insurrection that has seen the government lose control of their capital city. In his place, a transitional council has now been sworn in, with Mr Henry's finance minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert, serving as the interim prime minister. The council will try to restore order and democratic rule in Haiti, and is backed by other Caribbean nations and the US, who have welcomed the swearing-in of the council as “a critical step towards free and fair elections”.
The ceremony itself was unable to take place at the National Palace, however, due to threats from the gangs. One of the most powerful gang leaders, Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, issued a threat on social media: "Whether or not you're installed, this message is for you: Brace yourselves." Mr Cherizier said he was "not proud" of the ongoing violence in Haiti, but warned the violence would continue if groups like his are not part of a future government.
Tense Elections in Togo Over Controversial Constitutional Reforms
On the 28th of April, Togo held its legislative elections, weeks after constitutional changes were heavily criticized by the opposition. They particularly fear that the reforms will allow current president Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely, by being appointed as the newly formed president of the council of ministers, instead of the president of the republic, a position that became mostly symbolic. Togo has been ruled by the Gnassingbe family since 1967, raising doubts on the democratic process for the opposition, which supported the vote for this election in order to challenge the grip of the governing party on the country.
Indonesia Prepares for World’s Biggest Single-day Election Across Three Time Zones
Authorities in Indonesia are gearing up for the world's largest single-day election across its 17,000 islands. Over 200 million people are set to vote for a new president, with tight security measures in place involving 25,000 police officers. The election, a test of democracy for Indonesia, will also determine future executives and legislative representatives. Prabowo Subianto, the incumbent defense minister, leads in opinion polls, followed by Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. If no candidate secures over 50% of votes, a runoff between the top two will occur. Outgoing president Joko Widodo has faced criticism for alleged political meddling and promoting Prabowo. The election is marked by protests against perceived democratic setbacks. Besides the presidential race, thousands of candidates are contesting various parliamentary positions. Indonesia's foreign policy, characterized by a balance between the US and China, is expected to remain unchanged. The vote counting process may take up to 35 days, with early results providing an indication of the final outcome.
New Democratic Project Launched in South East Europe
A regional project promoting deliberative democracy and innovative citizen participation in South-East Europe was launched by the Congress in Bar, Montenegro. It gathered elected representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and members of the Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-East Europe.
Bernd Vöhringer, Vice-President of the Congress, emphasized the project's focus on democratic processes and citizen engagement, aligning with European values. The launch event facilitated discussions on deliberative democracy, highlighting its importance in democratic principles.
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The project, led by the Congress's Centre of Expertise for Good Governance, aims to strengthen democratic processes and empower local authorities in the region, promoting innovative citizen participation methods alongside representative democracy.
How Free is the International Free Press?
Research by Reported without Borders (RSF) has brought to light an increasing rise in global political attacks on regional, national and international press freedom. From the detention of journalists and suppression of independent media outlets to the widespread dissemination of misinformation, free and independent journalism has been targeted in the present times. The Annual World Press Freedom Index, which ranks 180 countries on their capacity to enable journalists to work and report freely and independently indicates an overall decline in press freedom internationally and a sharp rise in the political repression of journalists and independent media houses. Media personnel have been killed in Sudan, Syria and other regions. Four of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran continue to wreak havoc in the free press world. Latin America also displays alarming indicators of political repression of journalism.
Did you know? ...
The Himalaya Kingdom of Bhutan is the youngest Democracy in the world! Bhutan is the world's youngest democratic state, an isolated kingdom in the Himalayan area. In 2008, it decided to do away with the previous monarchical system, which had governed the nation for more than a century, and hold the first multi-party elections. On March 24, when over half (80%) of eligible voters in Bhutan flocked to polling places to cast ballots and choose democratic leaders, the shift became apparent.
Long term events around the globe
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China Renews Military Pressures on Taiwan After Visits of US Secretary Of State in Beijing
On the 27th of April, Chinese military aircrafts flew over the Taiwan strait, increasing tensions after months of relative calm. This event came right after a visit in China of Anthony Blinken, the US secretary of state, who discussed the military aid provided by China to Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine, and possible interference from China into the upcoming US presidential elections. Moreover, earlier this week, the American Congress passed a new bill that promised billions of dollars’ worth of military aid to Taiwan, a gesture heavily criticized by Beijing. A month before the investiture of the independentist Lai Ching-te as president of Taiwan, the Chinese government shows yet again that it is not going give up any ground on the independence of Taiwan.
Protests Against Hungary’s Viktor Orban
Hungary witnessed thousands of citizens protesting against their Prime Minister, Viktor Orban in Debrecen, a stronghold of the ruling Fidesz party. Former government insider, Peter Magyar criticized Orban’s low allowances for child support calling for a new system targeting social needs of the Hungarian population. An emphasis for social benefits was laid, however Orban claims that Hungary spends the largest share of its economy on family support. The belief that Hungary is ruled by a well-connected elite still persists among the protests. International watchdogs accuse Orban of channeling funds from the European Union to help fund businessmen close to Fidesz, while Orban claims Hungary is not more corrupt than other EU countries. Hungary’s citizens have taken to the streets to express their dissent towards their current Prime Minister and to challenge his national and international policies.
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Here you can see and hear what our volunteers say about work at the International Association for Democracy.
We are recruiting for various positions: Legal Advisors, Fundraising Officers, Lobbying Officers, HR Officers, Website Officers, Digital Marketing Officers, Social Media officers, etc.
Visit https://www.iad.ngo/join to find out more about our vacancies and how you can apply.
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