LI President's statement on Day of Democracy

LI President, Dr Juli Minoves, has asserted that democracy must be rooted in more than electoral procedures. As the head of a federation of more than 100 political parties world-wide, the LI President identifies the need robust democracies to be built on foundations of a strong civil society and protection basic freedoms.
“As liberals we are guardians of a definition of democracy that goes beyond the procedural. We hold as essential that a democracy needs free competition for a free vote, to quote Schumpeter” the LI President said.
Dr Minoves continued: “In-between elections a strong society gives birth to social movements that keep the powers that be in check. Freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of expression are an antidote against corruption and oppression and promote accountability. Liberals will be found marching next to those who cannot. We will not -never- be ready to acquiesce [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][the] ideas of illiberal minded leaders to curtail liberties and oppress minorities.”
“From women clamouring for the right to vote a hundred years ago, to the marches for civil rights and against segregation of the nineteen-sixties, and the Pride demonstrations for LGBT rights of today, among others, the history of democracy by civil society.
Liberal International does not conceive democracy without an active role for citizens actively shaping their own future and holding their elected officials accountable” LI President Minoves concluded.
Press Release
London, 15^th September 2015[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]