Democracy is more than voting, Les Govender tells Commonwealth Conference

DEPUTY Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Les Govender advocates for continuous citizen involvement in democratic processes beyond elections.

Speaking at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) held in New Delhi, India, recently, Govender said public hearings, legislative consultations, parliamentary submissions, community outreach programmes, and oversight visits by Members of Parliament were vital tools for keeping governance connected to the people.

“These processes ensure that citizens remain active participants in shaping decisions, while Parliament stays responsive to the realities of everyday life between elections,” he said.

As democracies worldwide grapple with declining trust and civic disengagement, South Africa’s emphasis on citizen’s participation in-between elections resonated strongly among delegates as it positioned the country as both a contributor and beneficiary in the shared pursuit of stronger and more inclusive democratic institutions.

The high-level conference brought together Presiding Officers from over 60 Commonwealth Parliaments to deliberate on the evolving challenges facing democratic institutions worldwide. Amongst the key themes was: “Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen’s Participation Beyond Voting” which speaks to the need to strengthen citizen participation in governance issues.

Govender reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to deepening democratic participation “Democracy does not begin and end at the ballot box. Continuous citizen engagement ensures that the people remain active participants in governance and that Parliament remains responsive to lived realities between electoral cycles.

“I encourage all citizens to play a more active role in democratic processes. An active citizenry acts as an important mechanism and watchdog for democratic accountability and transparency,” said Govender.

He also underscored the role of Parliament in empowering communities through access to information, civic education and inclusive participation, particularly for women, youth and marginalised groups. He shared South Africa’s experience of participatory democracy as a means of strengthening accountability, rebuilding public trust and improving service delivery outcomes.

Govender’s participation at CSPOC not only strengthened bilateral and Commonwealth Parliamentary relations but also ensured that South Africa’s voice contributed meaningfully to global discussions on democratic renewal.

The engagement reflected the South African Parliament’s ongoing efforts to learn from international best practice while opening pathways that can directly benefit South African citizens.

Govender said beyond parliamentary dialogue, the conference also presented tangible opportunities for South Africans, particularly in the areas of education and skills development. Through engagements facilitated by the Indian Consulate offices, South Africans were encouraged to explore programmes such as the Know India Programme, which offers exposure to India’s cultural, educational and economic landscape.

In addition, educational opportunities to study at Indian institutions were highlighted. The Government of India encourages students who wish to study in India to make applications through the Indian Consulate website.

Govender also used the opportunity at the conference to thank the Government of India for relaxing the conditions for citizens of the India diaspora to apply for the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status and for extending eligibility up to eighth generation citizens of Indian descent.

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