Engaging the Community: A Dialogue on Elections, Human Rights, and Governance

The Democracy Development Program (DDP) hosted a community dialogue under the support of the Social Justice initiative, focusing on the critical intersections of Elections, Human Rights, and Governance. Held on March 6, 2024, at the eThekwini TVET College, this event provided a platform for robust discussions, insightful reflections, and collaborative engagement aimed at fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

Theme:

The dialogue centered on “Empowering Communities: Shaping the Future of Governance”. Recognizing the integral role of communities in the democratic process, the event aimed to explore avenues for enhancing citizen participation, safeguarding human rights, and promoting accountable governance practices.

Key Topics:

• Elections and Democratic Participation: Participants delved into the significance of free and fair elections in upholding democratic principles and strategies for increasing voter turnout and political engagement among marginalized communities.
• Human Rights Advocacy: Discussions revolved around protecting and promoting human rights, with a focus on addressing systemic inequalities, combating discrimination, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations.
• Good Governance and Accountability: Attendees explored mechanisms for enhancing transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within governance structures, including the role of civil society, media, and grassroots movements in holding elected officials accountable.

The dialogue was facilitated by Associate Facilitator Thabile Mdluli and DDP’S Sphamandla Mhlongo.