By JAMES KUNDA –

THE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has said the participation of young people in the country’s democratic processes is cardinal to good governance.
IPU-Zambia president Patrick Matibini said young people did not only form a pool from which future leaders are drawn but also possess the potential to take the country to greater heights.
Dr Matibini, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly, said this in Lusaka yesterday during the commemoration of the International Day of Democracy at Parliament Buildings.
The International Day of Democracy is commemorated annually on September 15 and yesterday’s belated event was observed under the theme ‘Public Participation for Democracy’.
“The theme seeks to highlight the processes of public participation in democratic dispensations. This theme presents an opportunity for the citizens of this country to reflect on the various ways in which we can participate in the democratisation processes of our county,” Dr Matibini said.
The organisers of the event lined up several activities to underscore the importance of public participation in democracy.
Among these was an essay writing competition for Lusaka based secondary schools on the topic, “Explain clearly, ways in which citizens participate in Zambia’s democratic process and propose other avenues that can be used to further enhance public participation’’.
“I therefore trust and hope that as we commemorate this important day, we will all enjoy the various activities but gain greater insight in the notion and nuances of democracy,” he said.
IPU honorary secretary and treasurer Doris Mwinga said public participation was the bedrock on which democracy rested.
Ms Mwinga, who is also Clerk of the National Assembly, said public participation enriched democracy and ensured better decision making to strengthen accountability of political office bearers.
The long day celebration characterised by dance and drama was witnessed by several members of Parliament among them deputy ministers.