Remaining constant through change
9 April, 2008 – What is democracy going to bring us? How is it going to be different from the past? A straight answer to this would be that, looking back at an era of incredible development, we will be extremely lucky if can achieve nearly as much as we have in the past four decades.
But the question is very relevant today. The process of democratisation in Bhutan comes at a time when there are numerous examples of how democracy can go wrong. People around the world are fighting desperately – with thousands sacrificing their lives and livelihood – for the right to benefit from development. At this stage it is important for us not to forget that things have gone right for us. We have the opportunities which other people are dying for. Countries are seeking democracy as a form so that they can build substance. We already have the substance. We are building the form to guarantee continuity of the values that are expressed in Gross National Happiness.
That is why we need to look inside our system for inspiration. We remember that, as we reflect on our 16-day democracy, we have a 2000-year-old history to draw from.
For Bhutan political transformation is the evolution that is aimed at staying on the right path. In the past we have been guided by the intuitive wisdom of our Kings. For the future we are building the democratic institutions that will provide the vision, policies, and rule of law for secure and stable growth.
Democracy is not our goal. Our goal is good governance … to serve the people. Politicians go to the people to ask for their votes. When they win the election they win the opportunity to serve the people.
During the Bhutanese election the vote was called a norbu (jewel), granted by the Druk Gyalpo. It was granted, not to politicians, but to the people who will continue to be a constant reminder of the mandate. And it will be a strong reminder because, from what we have learnt so far, we know that we can’t undermine the Bhutanese electorate.
It is not a question of achieving every goal but of getting it right. Gross National Happiness is the responsibility to build the environment for people to seek happiness. Here we have the perfect opportunity to build this environment.
Human experience around the world has proved that democracy is not going to be easy. Bhutan is fortunate again because we have the luxury of peace and stability while we build our system. This was not an accident but the basis of the vision for our journey to democracy.
So far this vision is on track.
If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change
Source: Kuenselonline