Dhaka: Asserting that Democracy was the only mechanism to resolve social tensions and clash of interests in a world torn by conflicts, Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi on October 9 asked those in the Executive and Parliament to work together to strengthen the system.

"We should remember that if Democracy fails, there will be no Executive, no Parliament. The future of mankind will be very bleak," he said at the plenary session of the 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

In a world torn by conflicts, clash of interests, social tensions and economic disparities, "Democratic functioning provides the only effective solution", he said, adding that Democracy was the "best-known mechanism" to ensure social harmony and achieve lasting economic development.

Joshi said there was no alternative to a situation where Democracy has failed. "Therefore, to foster the spirit of Democracy, all four well-known pillars - Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and the Media - need to be constantly nurtured and strengthened."

He also stressed the dire need for Parliament to work with Executive "in a constructive manner while giving its critical support and keeping an effective surveillance over its activities".

PTI