IN COMMEMORATION, THE ELECTORAL DEPARTMENT WILL HOST ACTIVITIES UNDER THE THEME “ELECTIONS 40 YEARS AND BEYOND.”

Saint Lucia will join the rest of the world in the observance of International Day of Democracy (Sep. 15), under the theme: “Participation”.

The observance gives citizens the “opportunity to recall that democracy is about people,” is “built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation,” and that it is “a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights.”

In commemoration of the event, United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, said: “As we mark Democracy Day I urge all governments to respect the rights to active, substantive and meaningful participation; and I salute all of you who strive tirelessly to make this happen.”

In recognition of the UN call for participation, the Saint Lucia Electoral Department will host a number of activities throughout the month of September and October 2019, under the theme “Elections 40 Years and Beyond.” Some of the activities include staff training, visits to senior citizens homes, to facilitate the issuance of ID cards, visits to homes of the disabled who have requested services, and school visits and media appearances to educate the citizens on the services offered by the electoral department—some of which are the requirements for registration, rights and responsibilities as electors, and the importance of democracy.

The Saint Lucia Electoral Department will also host a display of Election Statistics from 1979 to 2016, and a mini exhibition showcasing the work of the Electoral Department, from September 23 to 30.

The media and the public are therefore invited to the opening ceremony for “Elections 40 Years and Beyond” activities,  on Sep. 23. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m., and will be held at the Electoral Conference Room, second floor, #23 High Street, Castries.