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Comments by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Parliament
"Change is also coming to the Tibetan political system. It is unfortunate that it happens in exile, but this does not stop us learning the art of democracy. I have long looked forward to the time when we could devise a political system, suited both to our traditions and the demands of the modern world. Since we came into exile, we have tried to build up the Chithu, the elected assembly of representatives, as a key feature of our effort to develop such a system. We are now embarking on changes, which will further democratise and strengthen our administration in exile. I hope that these changes will allow the people of Tibet to have a clear say in determining the furture of our country. It is therefore a matter of great pride of me that last month the Tibetan exiles went to the polls for the eleventh time to elect a new assembly of representatives..... Already since the special Congress held last May, the members of the kashag, the executive head of our administration, are elected officials, no longer appointed by me.
This democratisation has reached out to Tibetans all over the world.....I believe that future generations of Tibetans will consider these changes among the most important achievement of our experience in exile."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group, London
March 21, 1991
"There is one big change. Immediately after coming into exile, we started the process of democratisation Tibetan society. I deliberately reduced my own power. Since we adopted the Charter of Tibetans-in-exile to guarantee democracy while we remain in exile as a refugee community, I had a new experience. Before the adoption of this new Charter, whenever I had to take a decision because of my own nature, I consult other people, including sometimes my sweeper, but the final decision was taken by me. Now since the adoption of this new Charter, I have to always think what is the provision in the Charter and what is the speaker's view on this. This is a new experience. I think this is the sign of democracy and a sign of pluralism. Also, in our small community in India, there are all sorts of criticisms and we appreciate this range of vies. I always think this is a sign of strength. The last three decades have brought lots of changes - all for democratisation."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
2nd International Conference of Tibet Support Groups
Bonn, Germany
June 15,1996
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