As mentioned earlier; one of the first important decisions taken by His Holiness the Dalai Lama after taking refuge in India was to introduce democracy within the Tibetan exile community. Infact, one of the cherished goals of the 13th Dalai Lama had been to introduce democracy in Tibet. And; were it not for China’s invasion and occupation; there is no doubt that by now democracy would have been firmly established in Tibet.

Building on the vision of his predecessor; on March 10, 1963 the present Dalai Lama promulgated the Democratic Constitution of Tibet. This made it absolutely clear that; while leading the Tibetan people’s struggle for freedom; he was equally committed to establishing a democratic Tibet. Taking the process of democratization a step further; on June 14, 1991 the Dalai Lama announced the Charter for Tibetans in Exile. This brought in certain major changes; including expansion of the Assembly of Tibetans People’s Deputies who; among other things, were empowered to elect members of the Kashag, the Council of Ministers; till then directly appointed by the Dalai Lama.