A Joint Statement was issued on 13th December by 351 political parties, social organisations and think tanks from 140 countries on making independent efforts to build, preserve and develop democracy. By promoting democracy in their different ways, they also undertake to rise above all kinds of differences and work together to contribute to people’s well-being, national development and world peace.
These organisations affirm that the ways and means of realising democracy are varied. Since different countries and regions may not necessarily share the same history, culture, social system and development stage, there does not exist any system of democracy or pattern of development that is applicable to all countries. The practice of judging the large variety of political systems around the world by a single yardstick, is in itself undemocratic. Nor is it conducive to development.
They further state that the judgement on whether a country is democratic depends on whether the people can become the real masters of the country. While it is necessary that the people can enjoy the right to vote, it is even more essential to observe whether their right of extensive participation is guaranteed and not exclusively appropriated by a few. It is also necessary to see whether electoral promises made to the people to get to power are in fact fulfilled after elections. While it is necessary to observe whether the exercise of power follows democratic rules and procedures, it is even more important to observe whether the exercise of power is truly subject to the supervision and restraint by the people during the mandate of power.
Democracy is the right of all peoples, rather than an exclusive privilege of the few. The judgement on whether a country is democratic or not should be made by the people.
They also stand opposed to acts that interfere in the internal affairs of others in the name of democracy. All countries and all peoples of the world deserve the opportunity and right to development. Efforts need to be made to promote inclusive development and ensure that no country is left behind. The promotion of democracy should focus on the continuous realisation of people’s aspiration for a better life and the upliftment of their sense of fulfilment, happiness and security. Therefore, all countries should strengthen cooperation rather than wage cold or hot war to solve problems of the greatest, most immediate and most practical concern to the people.
They consider that the only way to realise this lies in putting true multilateralism into practice. As mankind is faced with various challenges and global issues, the effective response can only be found in more inclusive global governance, more effective multilateral mechanism and more proactive regional cooperation
The shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom must serve as guidance in the endeavour to build a human community with a shared future, so that countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development can share interests, rights and responsibilities in international affairs and work together to build a better world.
The Mauritius-China Friendship and Cultural Association and The Federation of Chinese Societies of Mauritius fully endorse and support this Joint Statement.
