Ymex.org members were asked to voice their opinions on what Democracy means to them by finishing the sentence "Democracy is..." in an original blog entry. Members from Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, and Nigeria submitted their original thoughts and blogs to this contest, and all of the submissions were so unique and expressive that it was very hard to choose two winners. Many thanks to all who entered. The winners are: "Democracy is when the power of the vote is real" by Nancy Mogire & "The World's Largest Democracy" by Akash Mohimen

Some of these blog entries confronted the concept of democray, some put them in the context of the country where the members are from, and some Following ae selected quotes from each of the blogs. Visit the Democracy Issues page to read each full blog entry.

"General elections normally held as an exercise of democracy loses meaning if the voters will not actually decide the verdict of the vote" - Nancy Mogire in 'Democracy is when the power of the vote is real'

"We live in a world where geographical boundaries are fast dissolving with the rapid advances in technology... Anyone who has an access to internet has become a global citizen. In fact, I would even state that the world’s largest Democracy is no longer India, but the world itself." - Akash Mohimen in 'The World's Largest Democracy"

"Democracy is the best way of life and people should learn from early childhood about democracy. Parents should teach their children the values of democracy maintaining and developing this form of government. Future generations in turn should improve it into even a better way of life." - Maksat Kalymgazinov in 'Democracy Means'

"Be part of the team. Remember that hope can defeat Experience. Do not forget that Experience can work with Hope. Age is not a barrier; race or ethnic difference can not stand in the way of change. Why not you for change...why? Do not applaud the story of Obama any longer but thrive to write one for yourself." - Aare Kornar in 'Obama, Nigeria, and You'