On Democracy Day, 10 countries where political participation remains a distant dream

China: Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing economies, China remains a one-party Communist state with allegations of human rights violations and no formal mechanism for the people to redress their grievances.

North Korea: Though nominally under communist rule, North Korea's leader Kim II-sung shaped the country's economic policies for decades till his death in 1994. His son Kim Jong-un continues to follow his father's footsteps and has pursued an ambitious nuclear programe responsible for its isolation from the rest of the world. The totalitarian regime is also accused of human rights abuses in its infamous detention facilities.

Saudi Arabia: The Al Saud dynasty has traditionally monopolised power in the country which dominates politics in the Arab world. The oil exporting nation follows a strict version of Sunni Islam with unequal gender laws and harsh punishments including public beheadings.

Qatar: The Gulf country, rich in oil reserves, is ruled by a monarchy which controls the media and poses restrictions on day-to-day coverage of political and economic affairs.

Oman: One of the oldest monarchies in the world, the country has remained peaceful despite curbs on the freedom of the press and the state control over the telecommunication infrastructure.

United Arab Emirates: The UAE is a federation of seven states which is ruled by a conservative Islamic monarchy. The country is considered one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf but remains authoritarian politically with strong control over the media.

Vietnam: The country remains one of the four remaining one-party socialist states which officially endorse communism. Though one of Asia's fastest growing economies, income disparities remain and restrictions on the freedom of the press continue.

Uzbekistan: The country has remained authoritarian since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The state controls the media and foreign journalists have steadily been expelled since the 2005 Andijan uprising.

Kazakhstan: The country has been ruled by former Communist Party chief Nursultan Nazarbayev since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The president, who is accused by opposition parties of concentrating power in his own hands, justifies it by saying that sudden transition to a democracy could threaten stability.

Vatican City: Pope is the sovereign of Vatican City which is the smallest independent state in the world. Legislative functions are carried out a body of cardinals appointed by the Pope for five-year periods.