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Building the World Movement for DemocracyInaugural World AssemblyFebruary 14-17, 1999 New Delhi, India Challenges of Democratic Governance: Accountability, Human Rights, & Rule of Law Panel III was chaired by Ayo Obe, President of the Civil Liberties Organization of Nigeria. The theme was "Challenges of Democratic Governance: Accountability, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law." The five speakers on this panel were: Sergio Aguayo, President of Alianza Civica of Mexico, Annette Lu, Taoyuan County Government of Taiwan, Margaret Dongo, Member of Parliament and head of Foundation for Democracy of Zimbabwe, Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International, and Asma Jehangir, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. "For me, the objective of a democratic system is having freedom, respect for the wisdom of the ordinary person, justice and equality." ~ Asma JehangirDemocracy by itself cannot deliver social justice or ensure the protection of human rights unless the rule of law and accountability form an integral part of its functioning. This is especially true of transitional and developing democracies, where electoral democracy has been achieved but where a culture of respect for the rule of law is still evolving. Democratic leaders would have to continue to work to educate citizens and strengthen institutional functioning in order to prevent the abuse of power, speakers pointed out. "To create an enabling environment for democracy we must focus on the magical triangle of coalition building between nation-states the private sector and civil society. We need tools, like transparency and accountability, to strengthen civil society." ~ Peter Eigen |
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