A Political system known as 'Rule of People' that prevailed three thousand years back in India, the land of Aryas, was adopted and practiced widely by many countries all across the world. This noble political system known as Democracy has attracted many people of most nations. It is well known fact that in their pursuit for democracy, it has cost them their lives and several years of struggles and conflicts. Nevertheless, we Tibetans have been graciously bestowed upon with democracy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama out of love, compassion and intellectual supremacy without us having to slightly struggle for democracy like others.

During these 42 years, the formation initially of an Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies elected by the people and of framing of a constitution reflecting Tibet's future political entity, have taught us democratic practices and knowledge in 30 years that has finally led us to the expansion of an Assembly and finalization of our charter in 1991 resulting in a complete synchronization of legislative, executive and judiciary pillars of a democracy with systematic check and balance. This resulted in an establishment of a system where the power of decision-making solely lies in the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies or the people.

During the eleven years of a governance with principles which have been enshrined in our Charter as per the present needs and requirements of our people, it is a matter of pride that the knowledge amongst Tibetans in exile on the merits of democracy has improved greatly.

And in particular, it is a surprising fact that we have been able to introduce a system with all the democratic merits at a time when the Gaden Podrang government founded by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama has firmly been in existence without disruption.

I would like to reiterate here that it is the historic responsibility of all the Tibetans especially today's younger generation who are enriched with both traditional and modern education to prepare themselves and stride towards a future long term goal.

In retrospect over the proud moments of today and concerning the development in the democratic process of our exile government, the Tibetan Central Government's task and principles are well sync with democratic system and principles and are able to follow as per legal and legitimate governance.

However, existence of a systematic local Assemblies, election of Local leaders by the local Tibetan residents and accountability of the leaders to the Local Assembly of which are in adherence to exile's Tibetan Charter and wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, have not been satisfactory. Therefore, the 12th Kashag (Cabinet) strives to have as much local leaders directly elected by the people as possible and also enhance the Local Assemblies with greater potentiality as are clearly outlined in the charter for Tibetan in exile. I like to request the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies and the masses to facilitate and support us in this endeavour.

I urge all the Tibetans to extend their support towards the realization of a united existence of the three provinces with genuine autonomy and proper democratic system through a negotiated settlement with leadership of Beijing on the basis of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Five Point Peace Plan and Strasbourg Proposal.

Finally, I pray for the long life and spontaneous fulfilment of all wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a celebration soon of Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile together over the restoration of a democratic civilization crossing all the stages of democratic process.

2 September 2002

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Last updated: 5-September-2002