IPU:-
The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments (Article 1 of the Statutes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union). It was established in 1889.
The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.
IPU encourages all parliaments to organize activities on 15 September 2009 to promote dialogue with citizens and highlight the theme of Democracy and political tolerance. Suggestions for events and other activities that parliaments may organize around that date are listed below.
IPU ACTIVITIES
In the course of 2009, the IPU will organize three initiatives focused on the theme of “Democracy and political tolerance”:
Parliamentary Conference on Democracy in Africa
On 14-16 September 2009, the IPU will organize a conference in Botswana to promote awareness of the International Day of Democracy, the fundamental principles of democracy and the major issues facing the democratic community today. The Conference will identify the particular role and responsibilities of parliaments in relation to these issues. More specifically, it will promote parliaments’ engagement with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, encourage action by them to ensure ratification by their Governments and internalise the provisions thereof in domestic legislation and practice. It will promote greater political tolerance within political parties and between governing and opposition parties.
Study on Party Control over Parliamentary Mandate
The IPU is conducting this study to obtain a deeper understanding of the situation regarding political party control over the parliamentary mandate. The power of political parties to revoke the parliamentary mandate and the implications of “political party dictatorship” are real problems which require discussion and action.
Worldwide Public Opinion Survey
The IPU has commissioned a worldwide public opinion survey with questions formulated around the overall theme for 2009, democracy and political tolerance.
In connection with the first International Day of Democracy, celebrated on 15 September 2008, the IPU organized a panel discussion at the House of Parliaments in Geneva. Detalied information about this event, including a video message addressed to it by the former President of the United States of America, Mr. Jimmy Carter.
