Today February the second, we celebrate the Global Elections Day, and this is a very important date in democracy countries, because it implies that, as a citizen, we can choose who is going to represent us publicly in our society.
Universal suffrage implies that we all have the same right to choose, if we meet the requirements to do it, such as having the proper age and citizenship of the country you are voting.
Let´s remember that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, provides in the Article 21, the right that every person has to take part, whether directly or through representatives, in the government of his country; the equal access to public service in his country and the importance of the will of the people, were, through elections, they will vote to choose their authority government.
Also, let´s not forget about that the capacity to vote through elections it´s a civil and political right, were according to the Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, from December 1966, every citizen can vote and be elected in periodic elections.
In both treaties, it is mentioned that vote in elections means freedom of expression and equality access to public service. The Covenant of Civil and Political Rights add a very important element: the secret ballot, which in other words means, the freedom of expression in his maximum.
It is important to emphasize that this celebration day should be honored by rethinking about the inclusion of vulnerable people in the elections process, whether they have complete access to vote or they have equal access to be voted. By vulnerable people I refer to women, people with disabilities, homeless people, refugees, internally displaced people, climate displaced people, elderly people mainly.
We must recognize that these rights are inherent to every person and that is our responsibility to don’t leave anyone behind. By inclusion, we will be contributing to enforce freedom, justice, and peace worldwide.
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