By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, September, 2: On Sunday, Tibetans in exile commemorated the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day since the Dalai Lama declared democracy for Tibetans in 1960 and promulgated a constitution for a future Tibet, based on the principles of modern democracy.
An elaborate function by Tibetan Government in exile at the Tsuglag-Khang’s main courtyard marked the official commemoration here in Dharamsala.
Hundreds of Tibetans thronged the courtyard to watch the function.
Since the introduction of democracy, Tibetan community experienced a constantly evolving vibrant democratic system. Much of the credit goes to the benevolent leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
From 1960 to 1990, the Dalai Lama had the sole constitutional power to appoint exiled Tibet’s cabinet ministers, heads of departments, and even members of parliament.
In 1991, as part of democratic reforms, the Dalai Lama delegated the power to appoint the cabinet to the parliament, which since 1960 has been directly elected by the people.
In 2000, the Dalai Lama instituted another reform, requiring exile Tibetans to directly elect their Prime Minister [Tib: Kalon Tripa] with full administrative power. In 2001, for the very first time, Tibetans from 27 countries voted on a single day, with more than 80 percent electing Professor Samdhong Rinpoche as the first Kalon Tripa.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche is currently running his second consecutive term after being re-elected in 2006 securing a landslide majority of over 90 percent of the total votes cast.
On the occasion of Tibet Democracy Day, Prof. Rinpoche in his official Kashag (Cabinet) statement, expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the “establishment of Tibetan democratic polity, founded on harmonious blend of spiritual and political values”.
Rinpoche also extended warm greetings to all the Tibetans in and outside Tibet, and the governments, parliaments, non-governmental organizations, Tibet Support Groups and the international community supportive of Tibet and its people.
“Under the supreme leadership and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan exile community has been able to accomplish all the external conditions that would facilitate its march onto the path of true democracy under the frame work of Tibetan Charter” Rinpoche stated in Kashag’s statement.
However, Rinpoche noted that simply electing leaders and members of the Parliament do not constitute democratic duty of a citizen. “The ultimate responsibility and power” for a functional democracy “lies in the hands of people itself” he said.
“A true democratic civilization is to create a civil society where there is equality, cooperation, mutual assistance and collective responsibility in the livelihood of a society” Rinpoche said.
Kashag’s statement also emphasized the need of fully independent non-governmental organizations free from relying upon government and capable of carrying out political, religious, socials and cultural activities with complete responsibility of their own without associating any link with institutions of the Government.
Hinting at the lack of freedom inside Tibet under China, Kalon Tripa noted “Without eschewing their religious belief and sense of national identity, the Tibetan people across the length of Tibet have remained steadfast in resisting the forces of oppression with great courage and valour.”
Citing the recent unrest that erupted in Lithang in eastern Tibet, Kalon Tripa said “Rongye A’drak articulated the views and aspirations of Tibetan people in a peaceful manner”. “This momentous deed of Rongye A’drak will remain forever in the annals of Tibetan History” Kalon Tripa said.
“We believe that the people and the countries that cherish the sanctity of justice will make every possible effort to save his life” Kalon Tripa added.
Beijing’s controversial decision last month purging more than 50 Tibetan party secretaries in the Tibetan regions to be replaced by Communist cadres from elsewhere in China, and the latest order on Management Measures for the Recognition of the ‘Living Buddhas’, were also raised in the Kashag’s statement.
Tibetan Party leaders and cadres were severely crticised for by Beijing for not taking firm position on the Chinese Communist party’s campaign to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“These measures are a clear sign of growing desperation among the Chinese leadership at present” the statement notes. However, “…views of the Tibetan people can never be changed by force or deceit, nor can their faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama be undermined by any means,” the statement declares.
