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{
    "id": 953910,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/953910/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 20,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Halake",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13184,
        "legal_name": "Abshiro Soka Halake",
        "slug": "abshiro-soka-halake"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.47(1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern about the International Day of Democracy. The United Nations International Day of Democracy is held annually, on 15th of September, to raise public awareness about democracy. This year’s theme is: “Aptly participation; an opportunity to recall that democracy is all about people” Participation is the principle of democracy that has been embraced globally, including in our country, Kenya. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation. It is also a fundamental building block for peace, sustainability, development and human rights. I would not want to go into all the tenets of democracy, but just to say that every human being on earth has a right to take part in the governance of his or her country, directly or through their freely chosen representatives. This right is provided for under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1994, in the African Union Charter and in our own Constitution. As you are aware, I am the Chairperson of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) and wearing that hat, it is important that I raise awareness about democracy and the regression that is happening with our democratic games. Mr. Speaker, Sir, organizations like CMD, Kenya, play a key role in the realization of a democratic political environment that is conducive for political competition and collaboration, towards achieving a democratic nation. It is envisioned that Kenya as a nation that is guided by the spirit of the Constitution, principle of accountability and transparent leadership, inclusion of people in decision making processes and respect of the law by political parties are the best instruments towards realizing the above. Political parties should be helped to embrace the democratic ideals of inclusion, accountability and transparency and to realize people-centered leadership. Funding of political parties enables the parties to have a face of ownership by all citizens and helps to dispel off the one-man dependency syndrome. Although Kenya is a constitutional democracy, the country’s democratic terrain has undergone periods of constraint, characterized by democratic regression, polarizing politics and a decline in democratic freedoms. Other indices that point to democratic decline in our country include; skewed economics, where the elite control our economy leading to an ever expanding gap between the wealthy and the poor, tightly enmeshed economic and political elite, limited spaces for citizens to participate and express dissent and clamping down of civil society’s ability to act. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}