International Day of Democracy notes increasing State Powers in Pacific Islands countries

With increasing State powers declared in most Pacific Island countries under national states of emergencies and public health emergencies, it is crucial that the processes of enforcement of these emergency measures always adhere to key democratic principles, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Tonga and other Pacific states said yesterday, on the International Day of Democracy. “Responsive, transparent and accountable COVID-19 responses are critical to democracy,” Mr Sanaka Samarasinha said.