Increasing consensus holds that democracy is in decline globally. Elements of backsliding include:
- progressive erosion of such principles as separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial independence; and equality before the law;
- rising generation and dissemination of disinformation;
- incremental dismantling of protections for press freedoms and weaponization of the media;
- and repression of vulnerable populations and minorities.
As human rights abuses amass, democratic practices are abandoned, and justice retreats, parliamentarians are on the frontlines. Members of parliament (MPs) have the mandate and responsibility to stand against these dangerous trends. As representatives of the democratic branch closest to citizens, legislators can resist attacks on democracy, shape national agendas, resist executive incursions, and work with civil society to preserve civic and political space. However, parliamentarians themselves are increasingly at risk in contexts of democratic backsliding. A recent surge of assaults on democracy and civic space often entails attacks on MPs’ physical integrity and psychological wellbeing. False accusations against Parliamentarians may lead to their abusive prosecution and deprivation of liberty, which in turn impedes Lawmakers to exercise their constitutional prerogatives and use their powers to protect the human rights of their people and communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic epitomizes many of these dangerous trends and embodies the need for the kind of collective action that has animated PGA across our more than 40-year history. This crisis starkly offers an opportunity to repressive regimes to intensify abuses. In several respects, the pandemic is both a crucible and litmus test for our democracies.
