56 84. The United Nations Human Rights Committee121 and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights122 have also ruled similarly. 85. In this respect, it is worth underscoring that the Heads of State and Government of the Americas adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter on September 11, 2001, in which, inter alia, they stated that: Transparency in government activities, probity, responsible public administration on the part of Governments, respect for social rights, and freedom of expression and of the press are essential components of the exercise of democracy.123 86. Thus, the different regional systems for the protection of human rights and the universal system agree on the essential role played by freedom of expression in the consolidation and dynamics of a democratic society. Without effective freedom of expression, exercised in all its forms, democracy is enervated, pluralism and tolerance start to deteriorate, the mechanisms for control and complaint by the individual become ineffectual and, above all, a fertile ground is created for authoritarian systems to take root in society.124 87. The Court observes that the statements for which Mr. Canese was sued took place during the debates of the electoral campaign for the presidency of the Republic, in the context of the transition to democracy, because, for 35 years and until 1989, the country had been ruled by a dictatorship. In other words, the presidential elections in which Mr. Canese took part and during which he made his statements, formed part of an important process of democratization in Paraguay. 3) The importance of freedom of thought and expression in the context of an electoral campaign 88. The Court considers it important to emphasize that, within the framework of an electoral campaign, the two dimensions of freedom of thought and expression are the cornerstone for the debate during the electoral process, since they become an essential instrument for the formation of public opinion among the electorate, strengthen the political contest between the different candidates and parties taking part in the elections, and are an authentic mechanism for analyzing the political platforms proposed by the different candidates. This leads to greater transparency, and better control over the future authorities and their administration. 89. In this respect, the European Court has stated that: While precious to all, freedom of expression is particularly important for political parties and their active members (see, mutatis mutandis, the United Communist Party of Turkey and Others v. Turkey judgment of 30 January 1998, Reports 1998-I, p. 22, § 121 Cf. U.N. Human Rights Committee, Aduayom et al. v. Togo (422/1990, 423/1990 and 424/1990), communication of 12 July 1996, para. 7(4). 122 Cf. African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Media Rights Agenda and Constitutional Rights Project v. Nigeria, Communication Nos 105/93, 128/94, 130/94 and 152/96, Decision of 31 October 1998, para 54. 123 Inter-American Democratic Charter, adopted at the plenary session of the OAS General Assembly held on September 11, 2001, Article 4. 124 Cf. Case of Herrera Ulloa, supra note 15, para. 116.