losers must then be prepared to admit to try again later on. This is what must be emphasized in theory and practice as the strongest democratic principle in the Commonwealth and beyond. It is my view that the Commonwealth must always emphasize the point of equality as a democratic practice. There are still elements in many societies that violate this principle because some individuals or groups do not consider other individuals or societies to be equal to them. It really means that all individuals must respect the principle of equality through democracy by accepting that when something gets decided based on a majority vote it must be respected. Some of our
member states have found themselves in serious political and social conflict because
Commonwealth gallery
The CPA Co-ordinating Committee seated from left: Treasurer Hon. Marwick Khumalo, MP; Vice-Chairperson Hon. Nafisa Shah, MNA, and Chairperson Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, with Secretary- General Dr William F. Shija. CPA Secretariat staff are standing behind.
The Commonwealth needs to continue using considerable resources to advocate the principles of democracy through equality and human rights.
the principle of democratic equality was flouted. There are times when electoral bodies, political parties or government security organs disrupt the democratic practice, depriving individuals and groups of their rights and equality in the democratic process. We in the Commonwealth need to assist ourselves to hold dear the principle of equality in democracy if our young and mature citizens are to benefit politically and economically. The second aspect
of the principle of equality in democracy is human rights. The observance of human rights at national and international levels has not been easy. History shows
that there was a time when some nations subjected other nations to untold human misery, enslavement and colonialism. Through long struggles, countless small and big wars, independence and freedom were obtained.
VIEW FROM THE
Dr William F. Shija (left) receiving a gift from the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Hon. Nadendla Manohar, MP, (right) at the CPA Secretariat.