Nepal, April 10 -- When defining democracy, the words of Abraham Lincoln-"government of the people, by the people, for the people"-resonate universally. Similarly, Winston Churchill's pragmatic observation reminds us that while democracy may be flawed, it surpasses all other forms of governance attempted throughout history. Democracy's appeal lies in its grounding in the will of the people, yet its implementation varies widely. Like the societies it governs, democracy reflects diverse cultures, histories and local dynamics.

Democracy, though globally dominant since the fall of communism, is far from a one-size-fits-all system. Diverse societies require governance tailored to their unique needs, but certain universal principles must ancho...