UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Democracy expressed his concerns over media censorship and stressed that it is crucial to stand up for democratic principles and everyone's rights at this time.

“Across the world, democracy is backsliding. Media workers face censorship, detention & physical violence, often with impunity. Without a free press, democracy cannot survive. Now is the time to stand up for democratic principles & protect the rights of all. DemocracyDay,” he tweeted.

The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on September 15 each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy.

Experts discussed the effects of democracy over the past 20 years in Afghanistan.

“The principles that Afghanistan needed in the past and today are when the governments are at the service of the nation and when the judiciary operates as an independent power,” said Shukria Barakzai, a former diplomat.

"Democracy has not been represented in Afghanistan in the last 20 years, and when it has been, it has just been the name of democracy, and the election commission has never announced a clear and accurate result," said Janat Fahim Chakari, university lecturer.

According to Abdul Haq Hemad, director of publications for the Ministry of Information and Culture, Afghanistan now has a system in place that represents the wishes of the people.

"Afghanistan has a system that represents the ambitions and the will of the people, but in the context of Islam," Hemad said.