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ttendees of the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) expressed confidence in the continuing relevance of the forum and its value as the only inter-governmental forum in the Asia Pacific region to exchange experiences and best practices in democracy and good governance.

They appreciated Indonesia for facilitating the opportunity for identifying challenges that states have to overcome in consolidating democracy in a pluralistic society, particularly conducting free and fair elections and building and strengthening democratic institutions.

They also valued the forum, now in its sixth year, for providing new insights for nations that are in the transition to democracy and those that are more advanced, and for contributing to the democratic architecture in the region and beyond.

Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji'€™s minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, said that Fiji was fortunate that the BDF had been happening at a time when the country'€™s political history and democratization progress was being rewritten and had begun to unfold. The country is preparing for a general election in October next year.

'€œThe rays of hope for a better Fiji that all Fijians are now witnessing cannot come without strong, decisive and caring leadership we have been fortunate to enjoy since 2006 and look forward to continuing to enjoy after our election. That is essential if our pluralistic society enjoys the dividend of a true democracy,'€ he said.

Lu Shumin, China'€™s assistant to the foreign minister, appreciated the forum for conforming to the characteristic of the times when great development, great change and great adjustment was taking place.

'€œTo safeguard the diversity of civilization in an equal and open spirit, promote the democratization of international relations and make concerted efforts to build a harmonious world embracing all forms of civilization are the common understanding I summed up from the forum. This is also what China has always advocated for and practiced in real earnest,'€ he said.

This year'€™s forum was attended by 86 participating and observing countries, as well as six international organizations.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the increasing number of participating countries and international organizations attested to the great interest shown by countries in the Asia Pacific region and beyond to promote democratic values.

'€œThis reflects a high degree of confidence among countries in the region and beyond in the forum. This year'€™s forum has seen not only a greater number of participating countries, but also wider coverage of countries, not only from the Asia Pacific but also the African, European and American region,'€ he said after the closing ceremony.

The minister said this year'€™s forum, themed '€œConsolidating Democracy in Pluralistic Society'€, highlighted that a pluralistic society characterized by religious diversity, cultural, ethnic and political trends provided its own nuances and unique challenges in the application of democratic principles in a country.

'€œIn this situation, we often witness ethnic conflicts, religious intolerance, communal violence and extremism. However, if these characteristics of pluralistic society could be addressed well, these would be a considerable asset in democratic dividends, including in supporting the economic development of a country.'€

During the interactive sessions on '€œConducting Free and Fair Elections'€, participants underlined the importance of ensuring the integrity of elections as a catalyst for an effective government. They identified some important elements to ensure free and fair elections, including the existence of adequate constitutional frameworks; the guarantee of freedom of association, press, information technology; and international cooperation on programs of electoral observers.