Bangladesh’s Constitution establishes the country as a democratic republic. Yet, in many societies across the developing world, democracy is still largely understood as the act of casting a vote. Tomorrow, September 15, marks the International Day of Democracy, and the theme of the 2026 observance—“When every voice counts, democracy delivers”—reminds us that democracy is much more than elections. Meaningful participation by people from different social groups, professions and viewpoints in decision-making is equally fundamental to a functioning democracy.
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Democracy Index, covering 167 countries and territories, classified 26 as full democracies, 48 as flawed democracies, 32 as hybrid regimes and 61 as authoritarian regimes. The figures show that democracy is widely accepted, but its quality remains a major challenge.
Concerns about democracy are not new. Plato and Aristotle warned about majority emotion, populism and the tendency to value popularity over competence. Modern democracies continue to face similar pressures, including short-term political interests. But these challenges are not arguments against democracy. Rather, they underline the need for strong institutions: an independent judiciary, an effective legislature, an executive accountable to law, constitutional rights and freedoms, an independent media, an active civil society, politically neutral state institutions and necessary reforms.
A genuine democracy cannot be reduced to voting once every five years. It must protect minority rights, recognise the legitimacy of opposition and dissent, and ensure accountability in the exercise of power. Citizens, too, have responsibilities. Democracy does not mean that “I will do whatever I want.” Respect for others’ rights, the law, public interest, social order and differing opinions is part of democratic culture. Without such civic transformation, institutions alone cannot deliver democracy.
The United Nations brings together monarchies, democracies, socialist states and diverse nations. If individual states can deepen democratic values, reduce violence, hatred and hostility, and strengthen respect for human dignity, a broader global democratic environment may eventually emerge—one in which democratic gains in one country are not confined by its borders.
On this International Day of Democracy, we should ask ourselves: how far have we progressed as a nation in practising genuine democracy—not only within the state, but as part of a larger global democratic vision?
By Salam Abu
Editor
