​Kwanele Ximba
On 15 September, the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) and parliaments around the world celebrate the International Day of Democracy which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. 
The International Day of Democracy coincides with the adoption of a Universal Declaration on Democracy by the IPU which took place in September 1997. 
This day provide democratic countries an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate their democratic society. 
"If you live in a place where you can participate in political processes please do. The only way we can protect our rights is if we protect our rights to choose our leaders, "said the CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Antony Bandury.
He said it was easy for people who live in a free society to take their freedom for granted. 
"Yet, when freedom is absent, life includes unimaginable challenges that are often incomprehensible," said Bandury. 
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "As the world confronts COVID-19, democracy is crucial in ensuring the free flow of information and participating in decision making and accountability for the response to the pandemic." added the. 
In addition, the United Nations noted that there was no single model of democracy and that democracy did not belong to any country or region.
The International Day of Democracy is meant to both celebrate democracy and to serve as a reminder that the need to promote and protect democracy is urgent now more than ever.