Basic Policies and Programs of the National Democratic Party of Tibet
Introduction
Tibetan Democracy
Before the Chinese occupied Tibet in 1959, the political system of
Tibet was firmly rooted in spiritual values and was not far removed
from feudalism. After assuming the temporal and spiritual head of the
Tibetan state, at the young age of 16, the XIVth Dalai-Lama proposed
certain reform policies that were obstructed by the Chinese invasion
of Tibet. The Dalai-Lama felt strongly that in the changing
circumstances of the modern world the system of governance in Tibet
must be modified and amended as to allow the elected representatives
of the people to play a more effective role in guiding and shaping
the social and economic policies of the State.
However, soon after coming into exile, he has made special efforts
to establish a democratic society not only to ensure the democratic
rights of the Tibetan people but also to prepare the Tibetan people
to lead themselves and move at par with the international
community.
Unlike everywhere, the democratic process in the exiled Tibetan
community is not the outcome of pressure from below. It has been
planned and pursued from the start by the Dalai-Lama himself. For Him
the process of empowering the people to rule in their own right has
become a democratic imperative that extends into the future. He has
declared that when the exiles are able to return to Tibet, He will
renounce all temporal authority.
As already envisaged a process of democratization in our society,
the Dalai-Lama outlined a detailed program to set up an elected body
in January 1960. Elections were duly held and the first elected
representative body in Tibet's history took office on September 2nd,
1960. This historic day continues to be observed by the Tibetan
community ever since as Democracy Day. Since then 12 such Assemblies
have been formed.
In 1961, the Dalai-Lama prepared a draft constitution for the
Future Tibet, based on the principles of modern democracy. Later, in
1963, a detailed draft constitution was promulgated.
The process of democratization was accelerated in 1990 when the
assembly was expanded by increasing the membership from 12 to 46 and
given independent authority. Following the changes, the 11th assembly
became a full-fledged parliamentary body, with effective powers over
the Executive. It was empowered to elect the Cabinet consisting of
eight ministers, who were made responsible to the Assembly. The
Supreme Justice Commission was set up in 1990 that functions as an
independent judiciary in the exiled Tibetan government - the sole
legitimate government of Tibetans both in and outside Tibet.
On February 26, 1992, the Dalai-Lama set forward his visions and
plans for the future Tibet in his "Guidelines for Future Tibet's
Polity and the Basic Features of the Constitution". In His own words,
the Dalai-Lama said : "I believe that in future, Tibet should have a
multi-party system of parliament, and that should have three organs
of government, namely legislature, executive and judiciary, with a
clear separation of powers between them, each independent of the
other and vested with equal powers and authority".
Thus, through the long years of exile, the Dalai-Lama's sense of
direction has been clear, his commitment to democracy and
non-violence consistent. He has kept alive for the exiles the hope of
returning to a democratic Tibet.
History of NDPT
The idea to establish the party was conceived when the Dalai-Lama,
while presiding over a Working Committee Meeting of the TYC held in
August 1990, counselled that TYC should initiate an ideological based
political party. Various Tibetan NGOs recommended for the formation
of such party. A special meeting of all former Executive members of
TYC was convened to seek their suggestions. Finally, in the VIII th
General Body meeting of TYC held in August 1992, a resolution was
passed to initiate a political party by the TYC. It took over four
years to launch the party.
The National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT) is the first ever
democratic political party formed in the history of Tibet. It was
founded on september 4th, 1994 with the initiative of the Tibetan
Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan non-governmental
organization, with an objective to safeguard and strengthen the
democratic process inaugurated by the Dalai-Lama in 1960 and ensure
that the Tibetan people's commitment to democracy not only remains
firm and resolute but that with every passing year, it grows in
wisdom, tolerance and altruism. Besides it was also aimed to provide
the Tibetan public with a clear and unequivocal direction in the
struggle for the restoration of Tibetan independance.
Our policies at a glance
Promote values to liberty, justice and solidarity whereby all
members in a society are free from any kind of oppression, enjoy
social justice and practice solidarity with each other
Establish a political and social order in which all have equal
freedom in all spheres of life.
The guarantee of a humane livelihood and equal opportunities
for all, regardless of class, gender, sexual orientation, age,
ethnic identity or belief
Defending human dignity whenever it is disregarded and
demanding an end to ignorance, injustice suffering and man-made
ecological disasters
Committed to democracy in defending free choice of the people
and strive to achieve equal human rights for all
Promote values of peace and non-violence in our society and
the world at large
Social equality for women and men, a society without classes,
privileges, discrimination and exclusion
Right to decent employment
Promote and provide equal rights and opportunities for the
different cultures within the society
Establish a welfare state
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