Democracy Is the Best System to Address Peoples’ Concerns: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that democracy is the best system that has so far been evolved in human history as it not only addresses peoples’ concerns but also gives an opportunity to the people to express their will freely and to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems.This was stated in Prime Minister’s message on the International Day of Democracy being observed on September 15, 2009. Below is the text of the message:“Democracy is the best system that has so far been evolved in human history as it not only addresses peoples’ concerns but also gives an opportunity to the people to express their will freely and to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems.“International Day of Democracy does not merely aim at promoting democracy but is also imperative to discuss, evaluate and explore its dynamics and dimensions.“Civil society organizations and media must take the responsibility to influence the agenda of the International Day of Democracy, making sure that the debate reflects issues relevant to various parts of the population, including the marginalized and poor people.“Unfortunately, democracy was never allowed to function independently by the non-democratic forces in Pakistan. The PPP has a history of struggle for the strengthening of democracy in the country at the grassroots level. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto fought for the cause of democracy and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for the democratic rights of the people of Pakistan.“This day provides an opportunity to all of us to review the state of democracy in the world, particularly in the third world countries. Democracy is a process as well as a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.”