On International Day, UN Envoy highlights democracy's special relevance in Somalia's transformation

Mogadishu – On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the United Nations envoy to Somalia today highlighted its special relevance as the country prepares for its historic ‘one person, one vote’ elections.

“This day is an opportunity to affirm that democracy is about people and to urge all governments to respect their citizens’ right to participate freely in choosing their leaders and deciding important national issues,” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said.

“It is our hope that a wide cross-section of Somali citizens can participate in the political life of Somalia through the ongoing constitutional review process and in the ‘one person, one vote’ elections scheduled in the last quarter of 2020,” the Special Representative added.

Along with various parts of the UN system and international partners, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), headed by Mr. Swan, is supporting the country’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), which is tasked with delivering the elections in 2020. 

In this effort, UNSOM also highlights the NIEC’s need for unremitting support from all public institutions, as well as the Somali people, in this undertaking which can provide a basis for consolidation of Somalia’s gains in democratic transformation.

Observed annually on 15 September, the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. The theme of this year’s observance is ‘Participation,’ with a focus on recalling that democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation, and it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights.