Anand's seven pillars of democracy worth heeding
The junta's charter framework rightfully emphasises the need for public participation to protect the national interest and build collective responsibility.
I propose that the Constitution Drafting Committee build upon that charter which had the most public participation, that of 1997, and follow former prime minister Anand Panyarachun’s “7 Pillars of Sustainable Democracy” in encouraging vital public participation, thus building commitment and sustainability. The Pillars are: elections, political tolerance, the rule of law, freedom of expression, accountability and transparency, decentralisation and civil society.
Thus, for example, universities, rajabhats, professional societies, etc, nationwide would moderate widespread discussions on the rules by which we wanted to be governed, striving to spread light and not heat, practising political tolerance and freedom of expression. All would take the long-term view, focusing on broad principles and win-win solutions that they could support.
Let’s work as a team to get a charter that could last for decades.
Burin Kantabutra
