South Asia Democracy Watch lauds measures to strengthen democracy

DALLAS: South Asia Democracy Watch, a nonprofit and independent organization based in the United States, has congratulated the leaders of South Asian nations on strengthening democratic values by holding regular elections, promoting individual rights and supporting democratic institutions in the region.

In a news release issued in Dallas on the “International Day of Democracy” on September 15, the organization has affirmed its commitment to support the process of democracy based on the wishes of the people of the region.

The organization has been busy in organizing conferences and events on democracy, rights of minorities and women and other issues following its mission to promote democratic values in the region. These also include presentations of high profile intellectuals and leaders including the Noble Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen from India and Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy from Pakistan.

“Since their freedom from the colonial rule, South Asian nations have consistently demonstrated progress on promoting democracy and the people have strived to use the power of their vote to effectively challenge trends of dictatorship and one-person rule” the statement reiterated.

“From Bangladesh to Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and India, the majority of people in the region have effectively rejected dictatorships” the statement further emphasized.

Recognizing that there still exist roadblocks in the path of egalitarian democracy in South Asia including poverty, terrorism, feudalism, corruption and sectarianism, the organization welcomed the overall progress towards strengthening democratic institutions and respecting the will of the majority in most of the countries in the region.

This year the United Nations has selected the theme “Space for Civil Society” to celebrate the International Day of Democracy with a reminder to world leaders and nations that presence of a strong and freely operating civil society depends on mutual trust between governments and civil organizations working for several cases in their societies.