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Get ready to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, a day dedicated to honoring the principles of democracy and the power of the people! This holiday commemorates the historic presidential election in Nigeria in 1993, which marked the country's transition to democracy after years of military rule. It serves as a reminder of the importance of free and fair elections, as well as the role that citizens play in shaping their government and society. So let's use this day to reflect on our own democratic values and continue striving towards a more equitable and just world for all.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Historic Nigerian Election</div><div class='timeline-text'>On June 12, 1993, the presidential election marked Nigeria's transition to democracy after years of military rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Recognition as Democracy Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Democracy Day was officially recognized as a public holiday in Nigeria on May 29, 1999, to commemorate the end of military rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Democracy Day Celebrations and Protests</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nigerians began celebrating Democracy Day with peaceful protests against corruption and mismanagement of public funds.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Date Change to June 12</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Nigerian government officially moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, honoring the historic 1993 election.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition and Engagement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Democracy Day became recognized globally with various countries showing solidarity with Nigeria's struggle for democracy.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a party with a democracy theme, complete with patriotic decorations, games, and food. Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite historical figure or political leader.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your community’s event calendar for any parades or festivals celebrating Democracy Day. This is a great way to support your community and learn more about the history of democracy in your area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a political campaign or cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Democracy Day as an opportunity to get involved in politics and make a difference in your community. Volunteer for a local political campaign or support a cause that aligns with your beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take time to learn more about the history of democracy and its importance in society. Share your knowledge with others through discussions, social media posts, or by hosting a movie night featuring films about democracy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write to your elected officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Exercise your democratic rights by writing to your elected officials about issues that are important to you. This is a great way to have your voice heard and make a positive impact in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the power of the people</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Democracy Day is a reminder that the government derives its power from the people and ultimately serves their interests. It's a day to honor the importance of citizen participation in shaping and maintaining a functioning democracy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates historical events</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For many countries, Democracy Day marks a significant event in their history - whether it's the adoption of a new constitution or the overthrow of an authoritarian regime. This day serves as a reminder of past struggles and achievements in the fight for democracy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes civic education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Democracy Day provides an opportunity to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities within a democratic society. It encourages public dialogue and understanding of important issues, leading to a more informed and engaged citizenry.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Democracy Day is also Celebrated in other Countries, not just Nigeria</h3><p class='facts-text'>Apart from Nigeria, several other countries including Nepal and Mali, also celebrate Democracy Day, albeit on different dates and to commemorate their own transition to democracy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Democracy Day and United Nations Public Service Day fall on the Same date</h3><p class='facts-text'>Interestingly, June 23 is also recognized as United Nations Public Service Day, a day that celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community and highlights contributions in the development process.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Democracy Day in Nigeria got its Recognition Late</h3><p class='facts-text'>Despite the general acceptance and celebration of the day among Nigerians, it was not until 2018 that the Nigerian government officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day instead of May 29.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>MKO Abiola is an Important Figure for Democracy Day in Nigeria</h3><p class='facts-text'>Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the winner of the 1993 election in Nigeria, is celebrated as a key figure in Nigeria's democracy, even though he was not officially declared president due to annulment of the elections.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Day of Democracy – a Global Recognition</h3><p class='facts-text'>In addition to individual countries' Democracy Days, the United Nations recognized September 15 as International Day of Democracy in 2007. The day provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy worldwide.</p></div></div>
Democracy Day is celebrated on June 12 every year. In 2024 Democracy Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jun 12
Monday
2024
Jun 12
Wednesday
2025
Jun 12
Thursday
2026
Jun 12
Friday
2027
Jun 12
Saturday
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