By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 28: Democracy and Debate, a non-partisan and independent initiative dedicated to fostering open dialogue and transparency, released a report on Friday based on an public opinion poll conducted among Tibetans from around the globe.
This comprehensive survey, which included 28 questions and garnered responses from 1,088 Tibetans residing in over 30 countries, offers a unique and expansive view of the current challenges and the need for reform in Tibetan democracy. The poll was conducted using a combination of online surveys and in-person interviews to ensure a broad and representative sample.
The findings of the poll highlighted the urgent need for reform in several areas in the political set up and democratic system of the exile Tibetan community with 89% of respondents supporting democratic reforms to ensure an equal number of voting rights for all Tibetans, 80% supporting the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) holding a special meeting to foster broader engagement and dialogue with Tibetan communities on democracy issues, 70% support the separation of politics and religion within the Tibetan democratic system and 64% support increasing the number of parliamentary seats for Tibetans abroad. Another area for reform is in the area of policy 64% support increasing the Green Book fee by 50%.
The report also highlighted several challenges facing Tibetan democracy. Many respondents pointed out the polarisation within the community. They suggested measures to reduce it, such as promoting unity, separating politics and religion, eradicating regionalism, following the guidance of His Holiness, ensuring equal voting rights, and leading by example.
“The purpose of the opinion poll is to understand Tibetan’s perspectives on Tibetan democracy as well as to establish a channel between the CTA and the Tibetan community. The discussion in Tibetan democracy often lacks data on public opinion. With this detailed data released will help policymakers, media, and the general public to understand the community’s perspective on a variety of issues, including structural issues, policy issues, and public approval ratings on institutions and decisions-makers,” stated Lharong, the co-founder of the Democracy and Debate, during the launch of the report.
