The United Nations is marking the International Day of Democracy on Tuesday as Afghanistan enters its sixth year without national elections under Taliban rule, with political parties barred from operating and women largely excluded from political and public life.
In a message marking Sept. 15, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for greater public participation, dialogue and respect for human rights, saying democracy requires more than holding elections.
“Democracy is more than elections,” Guterres said. “Democracy is a daily practice of ensuring human rights, the rule of law, and the meaningful participation of all people across civic and political life.”
Guterres said the world is facing deepening divisions, multiplying conflicts and declining trust between citizens and governments.
This year’s International Day of Democracy focuses on deliberative democratic processes and the importance of bringing people from across society into decision-making.
“Each time we choose dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation, we strengthen democracy,” Guterres said.
Afghanistan has held no national elections since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the collapse of the former republic.
The Taliban have prohibited political parties and have not established an electoral system. Women have also been excluded from most senior government positions and face sweeping restrictions on education, employment and participation in public life.
Afghanistan remains near the bottom of international assessments of democracy and political freedoms.
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Democracy Index ranked Afghanistan 167th out of 167 countries and territories, placing it last in the assessment. Freedom House has also classified Afghanistan as “Not Free,” citing severe restrictions on political rights and civil liberties.
The Taliban have defended their governing system as being based on Islamic law and have rejected calls to restore the electoral and political system that existed under the former republic.
Meanwhile, political figures and groups opposed to Taliban rule have repeatedly called for a political process in which Afghans can determine the country’s leadership.
The United Nations said meaningful participation, dialogue and inclusion can strengthen public trust and contribute to more responsive and accountable governance.
“Today and every day, let us recommit to ensuring every voice counts, and that democracy delivers the peace, dignity and inclusion that every society needs and deserves,” Guterres said.
Source: Amu Tv
