A democratic blueprint for redrafting the charter

“That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part,” Thomas Jefferson noted. Hence it is inclusiveness in the drafting process that will give us badly needed stability. The 7 Pillars are elections, political tolerance, rule of law, freedom of expression, accountability and transparency, decentralisation and civil society.

We can also take lessons from our past 19 constitutions and build on the one that earned the greatest legitimacy through public participation, which is the 1997 edition. During its nine years in use, what were its pros and cons, and how might we change it to meet tomorrow’s needs? Then, after extensive, inclusive debate, let the people choose between it and the second-most legitimate constitution.

Let’s have a supreme law that we can all support.

Burin Kantabutra