Democracy is the only known political system that guarantees people political and civil rights and the right to participation. Over the course of history, no other form of government has proved to be so successful, so humane and so conducive to development. The international community too has recognised that social, economic and environmental progress and broad-based growth can only be achieved and secured on a sustainable basis within a democratic political system based on the rule of law. Therefore the Millennium Declaration stresses that the right of all people to live in dignity and freedom is best ensured through democratic governance based on the will of the people.
