Topic: Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Richard Li
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Spain position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The founding documents of the United Nations (UN) are based on the importance of democracy (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Democracy is the key to human advancements. However significant problems in recent years including the rise of authoritarian governments and election rigging all hindered justice and in turn slowed down the progress of the society. Spain has signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Charter, one of the first significant resolutions passed by the UN emphasizing the need for a free, democratic government. Spain is also the eighth largest donor to the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). These actions earned Spain the title as the seventh most democratic nation on Earth in 2016 (Project Database). Spain’s democratic government overthrow their tyrannical government, which once overthrew Spain’s democratic government (Spain Profile). The government of Spain is a government ruled by the parliament, however, this political system is a constitutional monarchy. Spain has recently been criticized by UN experts stating Spanish authorities ought to ensure that measures taken ahead of the Catalan referendum on the 1st of October do not interfere with the fundamental rights to the freedom of expression, assembly, association, and public participation (OHCHR). Spain does not recognize Catalonia’s independence referendum declaring the election illegitimate (Hunt, Darren). Spain has stated that Russia has meddled with the Catalonian vote (Cotovio, Vasco, and Emanuella Grinberg). Spain supports the preservation of democracies. Spain has also recently rebuked Filipino autocrat Rodrigo Duarte, as the Philippine leader has criticized Spain for “controlling the Philippines.” (Duterte Explains How Spain, US Controlled PH through Unitary Government) Democracies are only powerful when voters are educated and well informed of their choices. Less censorship of information, such as news and political positions, is the first step to ensure more informed voters. Spain also encourages the promotion of political participation from a country's citizens. Spain believes Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Transparency International will help to prevent corruption in elections. Election meddling is also an issue that must be dealt with force. Spain supports strict punishments to nations or organizations that have been caught meddling in elections. Works Cited Cotovio, Vasco, and Emanuella Grinberg. “Spain Says Interference in Catalonia Vote Came from Russia.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 Nov. 2017. “Duterte Explains How Spain, US Controlled PH through Unitary Government.” Politiko, 13 Dec. 2016. Hunt, Darren. “Catalonia: 'Spain Is Not a Democracy!' Independence Campaigner Lashes EU for Inaction.” Express.co.uk, Express.co.uk, 4 Oct. 2017. “Project Database | UNDEF.” United Nations, United Nations. “Spain Must Respect Fundamental Rights in Response to Catalan Referendum.” OHCHR | Spain Must Respect Fundamental Rights in Response to Catalan Referendum, UN Rights Experts, UN Human Rights, 28 Sept. 2017. “Spain Profile – Timeline.” BBC News, BBC, 21 Aug. 2017. “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations, United Nations.
