International Dance of Democracy Celebrations | ISPH MUNSOC

The MUN Society of Department of International Studies, Political Science and History conducted its flagship event of the year 2022-23, Dance of Democracy in connection with the International Day of Democracy was held on 30th September at 2 pm in Room 911, Central Block, Central Campus. The objective of the competition is to understand better the importance of democracy, as well as the difficulties in implementing democracy all across the world. Participants were required to choose any non-democratic country and propose a working plan for the implementation of democracy in that country, and present the plan within a stipulated time period along with defending their stance.

The event started with the emcees of the day, Anjana Anil of 3MAIS and Ann Sumesh of 3HEP, who welcomed the gathering and introduced the event to the audience. They also introduced the judges of the day. Aditya Sinha of 3MAIS was the moderator for the session. He explained to the participants the rules of the competition and how the event will proceed. He introduced all the participants and the country they represent. 

The participants were given five minutes to present the problem and the solution of their respective country followed by a question-and-answer from the opposing teams. This was followed by the most important part of the content, questions from judges and defending their stance. 

The first team to be on stage was Afghanistan which talked about international collaboration between various stakeholders and local government-led initiatives to establish and maintain democracy. Questions raised by teams and the judges included why the Taliban needs a democratic change in the first place and why it will enable dilution in its power.

The second team to be on stage was Mali which talked about reducing conflict, focusing on building liberal institutions, change in laws, and involvement of Russian mercenaries. Questions by judges were on youth media programs, changes in the penal code, and how to bring in a constitutional framework.

The third team to present was Myanmar. The team talked about the recent coup and how democracy can be installed with the help of ASEAN and neighbors, ICJ, plebiscite, and trial for atrocities. Questions were asked on ethnic groups, the genocide of Rohingyas, and ASEAN's involvement.  

The fourth team to present was Syria. The team presented basic geography and facts about the Syrian Civil War. They suggested more power to Bashar al-Assad and elections in Syria. Questions from judges were on Why Assad should continue, the geopolitics of the region, and why peacekeeping forces should be brought in a war-ravaged country. 

Last team was Venezuela which covered the basic crisis that Venezuela has been facing for a decade right now. Their main solutions were recognition of the former Venezuelan president Juan Guaidó, imposing sanctions and embargoes on the Maduro government while banking on ICJ and Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and help from neighbors to establish a democratic regime. Primary questions and scrutiny from judges came on why include Juan Guaidó, why and why not Nationalization, will the state controls on the oil industry be beneficial for the economy or not, and why bring in a Security Force?

While the judges completed marking of the teams, the video of MUNSOC ISPH 2021-22 was displayed for the audience. Followed by which the judges were invited to give their feedback and suggestions to the participating teams. 

Finally, Dr. Stefy V Joseph, the MUNSOC faculty coordinator, welcomed Rev. Fr. Dr. Jose CC to facilitate the judges for their inputs and question the participants. This was followed by awarding of the winners and participants of the competition. The winning teams were Venezuela, Myanmar, and Syria getting 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. The session ended with a photo session with participants, judges, and faculty present.

The event proved to be insightful in understanding the nuances of democracy, especially in the context of non-democratic countries. The questions posed highlighted the pertaining issues in the countries regarding the establishment of democracy across the world. It also gave the students an experience of planning a nation-wide implementation and the various actors that would be involved in the implementation