September 15th is International Day of Democracy. 

This United Nations initiative brings attention to the war being waged on vital universal ideals such as “freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage” that are the bedrock of a free, democratic society.
(International Day of Democracy | UNESCO)

For this celebration of democracy, I’ve picked the haunting, powerful Marianne image from France. The story of the Marianne stamp is more than one tale – it’s the story of a symbol of resistance and equality re-imagined over generations.

 

Marianne & Democracy
Part of the Marianne du Bicentenaire set issued by France in 2008
Designed by Yves Beaujard and engraved by Claude Jumelet
The Marianne images were supplied courtesy the excellent site Stamp World 

The hard facts are sobering: According to a new study, the quality of democracy has deteriorated over the past 20 years in 137 countries that are considered developing or emerging economies. According to the Bertelsmann Foundation’s “Transformation Index,” there are now 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies. In other words, states that tend not to have free elections or a functioning constitutional state.

In the last two years alone, shaped by a new geopolitical climate, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the coronavirus pandemic, elections in 25 countries have been less free and fair than they were before, according to the study, which also found that in 39 countries freedom of expression and freedom of the press has been increasingly restricted.
Democracies under threat around the globe – DW – 03/19/2024
This was posted in 2024 and the situation has deteriorated further.

2024’s stamp featured Agatha Christie.