Democracy and self-determination are crucial in preventing national, regional and international conflict, but are under attack from 'fake news', incomplete news and political correctness, reports UNB. Alfred de Zayas, United Nations Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, said this in a statement yesterday to mark International Day of Democracy that falls on September 15.

"Democracy is essential to achieving a more just world order. Only by genuinely reflecting the interests of the people can governments stem the tide of disillusionment, exploitation and conflict that plague today's world," said the expert.

The UN expert said true democracy requires education, access to multiple, reliable sources of information and opinion, consultation in good faith with all those affected by decisions, and open debate free of intimidation, ostracism and the constraints of 'political correctness'.

It means combining majority rule with respect for minority opinions and the human dignity of all, according to the statement a copy of which UNB obtained from Geneva.

Alfred de Zayas said true democracy cannot function properly without a pluralistic and free press, but 'fake news', 'spin' and campaigns focused narrowly on trendy issues confuse and corrupt the democratic process.

It is not only governments that engage in the dissemination of fake news - false or deliberately skewed information - but also the private sector, corporate media, and other conglomerates that try to create what Noam Chomsky called 'manufactured consent'. While freedom of opinion and expression are indispensable to democratic society, such freedoms must serve - not manipulate - democracy, reads the statement.

What is needed is free access to pluralistic information and opinion - rather than homologated news services that echo each other and try to impose a 'politically correct' version of reality.