The recent assassination of Benazir Bhutto reveals the difficulty facing western governments trying to re-introduce democracy into a country where previously they supported military dictatorship.

Many years of military dictatorship, first under Mohammed Zia Ul-Haq, then under Pervez Musharaf, have allowed opposing factions to gain strength, each playing their part to undermine Pakistan's foundational promise of being a modern democratic Muslim nation.

Will the promised election to be held this month take place and, if it is, will the result be accepted by its people?

Most of all, will the elected government be acceptable to the West or be 'shunned', as happened when Hamas was elected into office by the Palestinians in Gaza.

Democracy has its pitfalls and can throw up unexpected and unacceptable results, but at least there is an opportunity to change the government after five years.

How can the champions of democracy, the United States and the UK, expect countries to accept democratic principles when they themselves have flouted the rules?

Recently, the plight of the islanders of Diego Garcia was reported in the letters pages of the Oxford Mail.

For years, these people have fought for their rights through the UN and UK courts.

Though they won their case, neither of the two most powerful Western nations have complied to vacate and pay compensation.

Is this democracy or the 'price of democracy' these poor islanders have to bear?

VIM RODRIGO Rivermead Road Rose Hill Oxford