Nay Pyi Taw marks Int'l Democracy Day

Among those attending the event held in the Parliament were Union Parliament Speaker Thura Shwe Mann, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and government officials. 

Shwe Mann said the day honoured sovereign nations exercising democracy and encouraged governments to promote democratic rights. In every country, he said, parliaments played a key role in promoting democracy.  

The presidential message, read out by a union minister, said public participation was the essence of democracy. Internal peace and national development could be achieved only through democracy and national unity, the message said. 

President Thein Sein promised to try his best to ensure that the November 8 election was free and fair as it was a giant step towards democracy. 

Upper House Speaker Khin Aung Myint said democracy protected human rights and offered ways to address problems while mistakes could not be resolved under a dictatorship.

He said any mistakes could be corrected by the will of the majority.  

The Arakan National Party stressed the need for a federal system and the Union Solidarity and Development Party said it would cooperate with the people to hold a free and fair election. 

A Chin National Democratic Party member said: "Allowing only 75 per cent of people's representatives in Parliament prevents the people from promoting democracy. The Parliament and the government should seek greater cooperation with civil society organisations [CSOs]." Twenty-five per cent of Parliament is allocated to military representatives.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a message to the event which was attended by representatives from UN agencies, about 20 political parties, CSOs and students.