| Speakers’ Remarks | For many years a scholarly debate has ensued over the compatibility of democratic principles and Islam. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the debate intensified. Governments, politicians, religious leaders and civil society organizations have drafted papers, attended conferences and listened to the many opinions on this subject. A growing number of democratic Muslims around the world, however, have been anxious to declare an end to the debate. From Morocco to Turkey to Indonesia, these political leaders point to the numerous examples of predominantly Muslim nations and political parties that are striving for and achieving democratic governance as evidence that Islamic culture and religious practice are compatible with democratic principles. In moving beyond the debate and towards practical governance, these democrats from the Islamic world have been looking for opportunities to establish networks that would help demonstrate their successes in developing effective and modern public policy and have sought support to strengthen their programs and policies. These leaders also understand the valuable example they have been setting for their colleagues in other Islamic countries that have been less enthusiastic about adopting democratic principles and processes, and hope that by demonstrating their own success stories, they might attract the interest and following of others. In April 2004, over 70 political leaders from 14 predominantly Muslim countries
accomplished these objectives by declaring an end to the debate over the compatibility
of Islam and democracy. Assembled in Istanbul, Turkey for the first Congress
of Democrats from the Islamic World, delegates set clear benchmarks for enhanced
democratization by calling for accountable political parties, multiparty elections
administered by independent election commissions, independent media, freedom
of information, equal political participation by women and oversight of governments
by parliaments and civil society. |