01/12/2003
Expert
Group Shows a Way Forward
By Sanjay Suri
The group that was set up to make a
set of recommendations on promotion of democracy and
development makes it clear that it is time for specific
steps, not for slogans. An exclusive report on the findings
of the panel.
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Towards
a Common Goal
By Don McKinnon Secretary-General
WITH THE end of the Cold War came renewed
hope that democratic systems would spread their influence
worldwide and bring about increased growth and prosperity.
It was assumed that, democracy and development being
intimately linked, greater freedom would bring increased
economic development. But while a number of democracies
have indeed prospered, many countries have yet to reap
the fruits of freedom.
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New
Democracy
DEMOCRACY IS being recognized now as
something more than a vote every five years or so. A government
is not authorized to do as it pleases just because the party
that leads it got more votes than some others, and never usually
the vote of the majority, even among those who voted.
Paper Diet
Feeds the Toothless
By Sanjay Suri
THE COMMONWEALTH hasn’t done badly
on human rights – on paper that is. The Abuja
meeting will seek to transfer at least some of those
rights on to the street where they are needed.
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Hard
Days in Zimbabwe
By Chris Msipa
HARARE: ZIMBABWE IS winding up another bitter
year, and Samson Tawona, a teacher in the capital –
Harare – is a depressed man.
Double Test for
Twin Goals
ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe
will not be in Abuja, he has not been invited after Zimbabwe
was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth. Nor will
Gen Pervaiz Musharraf, now president of Pakistan. But human
rights abuses in both countries will be on the agenda in Abuja.
Yes, Gov’ts
Are Listening
ROSETTA THOMPSON is beginning to see
hope where she did not expect to. Civil society is rising
in activity and profile in West Africa a little quicker
than anyone could have thought.
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Around
Abuja
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From 1 to 7 December 2003, civil society from Commonwealth nations
are meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, for the Commonwealth People's Forum. |
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The
event, with the theme 'Citizens and Governance', is being held parallel
to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM. IPS is producing
a printed and electronic special edition of TerraViva Conference
Daily, from Dec 1 - 5, as well as daily coverage from CHOGM.
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