DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS Principles processes and procedures

DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Principles, processes and procedures for democratic participation

Public participation • South Africa’s Constitution and some laws allow and encourage public participation. • It involves people in thinking, deciding, planning and playing an active part in developing and operating services that affect their lives. • People have the right to be informed, involved and consulted about matters that affect their lives.

You participate publicly if you: • • • Stand for elections Hold and attend community meetings Join civil and political organisations Vote in elections Pay taxes Protest and petition.

Public participation is important because: • Makes sure that leaders do not abuse their powers • Decisions are made with consultation of the public • Helps inform government about citizens needs and wants. • Helps to see that things get done.

Public participation and petition process • A petition is a formal request asking government to do something about a matter. • It is a written document that people sign to show that they want a person or organisation to do or change something. • The public can submit a petition to parliament.

Governance • Is the way that a country, city, company or organisation is controlled or managed by people who run it. • The country must be run on a system of co -operative governance. • Various levels of government must work together. • Citizens are allowed to have a say in policy making and service delivery.

Good Governance • • Allows people to participate Keeps them informed Is transparent Delivers basic human rights Is efficient and effective Produces results in a reasonable time frame Protects the environment Takes responsibility for its actions and decisions

Law- making process • In a democracy should follow clear procedures. • The public should have the opportunity to comment on new laws before they are passed and approved. • The laws have to be passed by different levels of government.

Rule of law • • • Protects human rights Very important in our lives. Keeps us safe Solves arguments Helps us be successful

Five principles defining the rule of law • 1. A government that is accountable. • 2. An absence of corruption. • 3. Security and order, and fundamental rights. • 4. An open government that enforces laws and regulations. • 5. Access to justice.

Transparency • Means that the government must open to the public and not try to hide its actions. • Government actions, policies and laws must be easy to understand. • Information must be correct and easy to understand. • Press and public must have access to government meetings. • Laws. Rules and decisions must be open for discussion. • Anyone can review budgets and statements.

Why transparency is necessary • So public can check up on what people in authority are doing. • There are no hidden interest and agendas. • People can get the information they need to participate in the democratic process.

Representation • Election allows you to select the people you would like to represent you. • You select them by voting. • Two types of representation: • Proportional representation: parties get a number of seat according to the percentage of votes. • Constituency-based representation: country is divided into voting areas called constituencies.

Accountability • Means that those people in authority must: • Take responsibility for the actions, performance and decisions.