Democracy is not merely enjoyment of rights: Albright

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) The authority in democratic set-up should benefit the entire nation and not a particular section as the democracy is not only enjoyment of rights but also fulfilling of responsibility, the former US Secretary of State Madeleine K Albright said here today.

Addressing a session on 'America, India and Democracy in 21st Century', Dr Albright said India and the US, with two of the most diverse populations in the world, have remained true to democracy because both realise it is the only way to remain viable nations.

Asserting that democracy cannot florish in isolation but needs a global approach, she said it is sliding backwards in Africa and Latin America and parts of Asia.

Building a strong democracy can take decades and years, and it can slide into reverse unless consciously kept moving, said Dr Albright, who was the US Secretary of State in the Bill Clinton administration.

The answer to democracy's shortcomings, she said, is to make it work more effectively.

''Democracies must grow from within and for this to happen, citizens must abide by rules, enjoy rights and fulfill their responsibilities.'' Democracy appeals to a sense of justice because power must come from the empowered majority, not from the privileged few, she said.

Dr Albright said India and the US, have remained true to democracy because both realise it is the only way to remain viable nations.

As both these democracies had dealt with protests, assassinations and other forms of terrorism, she said, ''The challenge is to build a foundation of freedom and prosperity that is stable.'' About the improvement in the relations between India and the US, Dr Albright said the two countries can give their alliance further substance through cooperation in business and energy, especially through the civil nuclear agreement.

''Both countries need to work together to address one of the greatest challenges of our times, nuclear proliferation,'' she said.

''I believe in democracy because it has made a difference in my life and in the lives of many others I know. The tide of democracy has to remain a rising tide around the world. India has to share lessons on its democracy with others,'' she said.

Dr Albright said free elections are essential, but not sufficient for democracy because they put one party in power at the expense of another.

A democracy needs time to find roots, she said.

Organising parties, forging coalitions and establishing legal systems are the building blocks of democracy.

According to Dr Albright, representatives of every ideology should be allowed stake in democracy.

''Democracies have to be inclusive. For example, banning Islamist groups is the wrong strategy. Such groups must be included in the democratic process.'' The session was organised by the ASPEN Institute of India.

UNI VJ MSJ KN1748