Building Blocks of Freedom

Democracy Means

• Leaders and lawmakers are appointed to office through free and fair elections.
• Government is accountable to the electorate between elections and operates with openness and transparency
• All citizens, including members of ethnic, religious and other minority groups, have full political rights and electoral opportunities.
• The right of all to organize in political parties of their choice, free from interference from the military, totalitarian parties or any other powerful group
• Judicial independence
• Freedom of the media and cultural expression
• Religious institutions and communities are free to practice their faith and express themselves in public and private
• Academic freedom is fully upheld and the educational system is free of political indoctrination
• Freedom of assembly, demonstration, and open public discussion
• Trade unions are free and active and effective collective bargaining takes place
• Equality of opportunity, with all citizens having the right to own property and establish private businesses without undue interference from government officials, the security forces and political interest groups.