Democracy must always be nurtured, protected and promoted

Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba has spoken of the need to always “guard against complacency” even where impressive democratic advances have been made.

“Democracy is a constant work in progress and the Commonwealth is here to help with that work,” she said.

The Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General was addressing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) annual conference, which is taking place in Arusha, northern Tanzania.

“One can never be complacent about democratic gains. They are easily reversible. Democracy needs constantly to be nurtured, protected and promoted.”

She described key areas of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work on democracy, including election observation - which has taken place most recently in Bangladesh, Ghana and Malawi - as well as meetings which bring together representatives of governing parties, opposition parties and civil society from Commonwealth countries to discuss their relationship with each other and their contribution to democratic culture – especially their roles, rights and responsibilities.

Mrs Masire-Mwamba also noted the “valuable and valued” partnership enjoyed between the Secretariat and the CPA, which has more than 16,000 members drawn from 170 parliaments.

“The CPA enables you to exchange views, make connections and deepen understanding of your respective role and responsibilities as representatives of the people,” she told those present.

Key Links:

• Democracy and Consensus Building
• Country Profile: United Republic of Tanzania
• Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba