Living democratic values
On September 1, 2024, the new state parliament will be elected in Saxony. The HSZG is calling on people to actively think about how they can participate in the democratic process.
In a representative democracy, elections are a key element in citizens’ participation in the political process. They combine the functions of evaluating and holding those currently in power accountable with the formation of new majorities in the state parliament and, consequently, the formation of new governments. They are therefore a central component of citizens’ participation in determining the direction of policy and the appointment of top political positions for the next five years.
In light of the obvious challenges facing politics, as well as the sometimes polarized political conflicts and debates in the Free State, the University Executive Board is encouraging broad participation by the members and affiliates of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The broader the participation of eligible voters, the more clearly the composition of the state parliament will reflect the political positions and orientations of the entire population, and the stronger the mandate of the new government emerging from these elections will be. At the same time, it is important to note that in the Federal Republic of Germany, we do not have compulsory voting, but rather the right to vote.
As a state university, we are committed to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany—that is, the Basic Law—and to the Constitution of the Free State of Saxony, as well as, in particular, its Higher Education Act. Therefore, we expressly support any democratic and constitutionally compliant political engagement by our members and affiliates—from submitting an application for a seat in the state parliament to serving as an election worker. We expressly do not issue any direct or even indirect voting recommendations for any political orientation, party, or individual candidate.
In this spirit, we advocate for broad participation in the right to vote as well as for peaceful, equitable, and democratic coexistence among all political actors and citizens—both within the electoral process and in the subsequent day-to-day practice of democracy at all levels. We deeply condemn violence (or incitement to violence), hate speech, discrimination, and anti-democratic actions that undermine our free and democratic order. We do not want such things at our university or in Saxony.
The University Executive Board takes this opportunity to once again provide information about the activities of the university’s departments and faculty members—including those in cooperation with regional partners—in the area of political and democratic education. Here you will find a wide range of resources for information and communication, as well as information on events in which anyone interested can participate according to the formats and specific opportunities available. You can find the overview and contact persons here. Furthermore, the Landesrektorenkonferenz e. V. offers you the opportunity to orient yourself using so-called “election benchmarks” at www.lrk-sachsen.de.
Zittau/Görlitz, August 27, 2024
The University Executive Board
At a time when political discussions are often marked by tension, it is all the more important that we exercise our democratic right and cast our votes. The state election offers us the opportunity to actively shape the future of our Free State. I encourage all members of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences to exercise their right to vote and thus send a strong message in support of our democracy.
”
1st floor