Headed by Arakanese youths, a discussion titled “Youth and Democracy” was hosted in Sittwe, capital of Arakan state on 15 September, on the occasion of International Day of Democracy.

Panelists discussed the role of youths in restoring democracy in the country. During discussions, a panelist who led the talks said that Myanmar was adopting nominal democracy.

“I see the NLD government that took power to move the country closer to democracy ostensibly uses the word “democracy”. It does not adopt democratic policies in reality,” said Ko Toe Toe Aung, secretary of the Sittwe University’s Students’ Union.

Elements of a democratic system in the regions of ethnic people are few and people have faced dictatorial powers, he said, adding that their regions were lacking the rule of law because civilians were killed without any reason.

The government should build mutual understanding with ethnic people across the country, reduce its oppression of ethnic people and welcome the attempt of ethnic people to promote their own culture, young people said in the discussion.

A female activist said that women need to participate in different sectors so that the country could evolve into a democratic society seamlessly.

“If a bird is used as a metaphor for building a democratic country, women and men are each a wing of the bird. So, women should participate in different areas, whether it’s political, economic, and educational or any other social institution that can improve the quality of people’s lives,” said activist Ma Tin Cho Htwe.

The discussion was held at the office of the Arakan Youth New Generation Network in Sittwe and over 20 youths participated in the discussion.