Paro, Oct.8 (ANI): Bhutan has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to bring together high level representatives from twelve countries in Asia to brainstorm on how countries can go beyond the notion of democracy as a process of holding regular elections by deepening and sustaining democratic norms and values in society.

Today South Asia stands at a historic cross-road. All eight countries in this sub-region of Asia have democratically elected governments. Casting a vote is but one step on the road to democracy. Many countries in the region have struggled with sustaining democracy - punctuating democratic rule with lapses into military rule.

The three-day International Conference on Deepening and Sustaining Democracy in Paro, Bhutan from 12-14 October is being organized jointly by the Centre for Bhutan Studies, on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan, and UNDP.

This will be an interactive forum with over 100 world renowned experts, government leaders and officials as well as civil society leaders including senior media professionals from Asia and beyond.

The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley and UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP’S Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific will open the conference.

Conference participants will debate on the various facets of democracy - ranging from political freedom and participation in decision making beyond the ballot box as a fundamental right, to social inclusion, the rule of law and access to justice, and voice and accountability.

Another interesting dimension of the dialogue will focus on taking democracy to the grass-roots. While some countries have made strides in establishing strong local governments, others like the Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are embarking on this path to deepen democracy. There are lessons to be learnt from within the region.

Besides Bhutan, all South Asian countries will be represented at the Conference - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Delegations from other Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will also participate in the Conference. (ANI)