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Toward
Democracy and a true Republic in Iran:
A Proposed Platform
May
2003
The
century old aspiration of Iranians for the rule of law, individual liberties
and Democracy now seems more attainable than ever. In response to 24 years
of life under theocratic rule, the Iranian body-politic and society has
evolved towards democratic values, leading to the emergence of social movements
and a facility for participation in organized politics. The trials and tribulations
of the past six years- the reform movement- have led to a keen awareness
of this widespread desire for change and increased the public’s determination
for a democratic polity. The women, youth, and the student movement, have
played a critical role in these developments.
The Reform Movement headed by Mr. Khatami, despite its achievements –
liberalizing the print media, marginalizing the conservative ruling clerics,
and demonstrating the inherent inconsistency of the existing Constitution
- has visibly failed to attain and secure the fundamental civil liberties
and political rights of the citizenry.
The intransigence and the opposition of the ruling clerics and the institution
of ‘velayat faghih’ -the supreme clerical leader- has been the
main obstacle to the actualization of reforms. However, the limited and
narrowly defined political agenda of the reformists, divisions within that
movement, excessive reliance on the constitution, and the inability or unwillingness
of the leaders of this movement to organize the civil society, have also
contributed to the current impasse. This experience has clearly demonstrated
the limits of a political strategy that has relied solely on incremental
legal reforms initiated by the Parliament or the Executive branch; what
is and will be required is organized social and political action by the
public and fundamental change in the constitution and the political structure.
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic, which aims to construct a State
subservient to Religion -the Islamic laws- is founded upon clear and unabashed
discrimination among the citizens; therefore, it cannot be considered as
the basis of any modern and democratic social and political covenant amongst
Iranians.
Today, the theocratic system of velayat-e faghih and its related institutions
are the chief obstacle to democracy, stability, and progress in our country.
Continuing repression, deplorable human rights violations, poverty, and
rampant corruption is driving the country deeper into social and political
crises. The intransigence of the ruling clerics and ‘vali fagih’,
in the face of overwhelming and unquestionable demand for fundamental change,
has resulted in a total loss of legitimacy of the political order and credibility
of the regime. Internationally, the Islamic Republic has not only failed
to protect and secure Iran’s national interests, but has instead placed
the country in perilous situation and jeopardized its territorial integrity.
The formation of a broad based movement advocating Democracy and a true
Republic based on the principles of non-violence, can serve the greater
movement of Iranians to attain the legitimate demands of political freedoms,
fair and free elections, and constitutional change. We advocate a democratic
political system and a republican form of government based on the principles
of accountability, transparency, and public participation.
Political struggle alone will not bring about the success of democratic
forces. Democracy requires its own political and cultural values, the strengthening
of civil society and its institutions, and the involvement of diverse social
groups in the political process.
We, the signatories of this document, representing a diverse range of social
and political views and backgrounds, firmly state our belief in the principles
of tolerance, political dialogue, the rule of law, and national reconciliation.
This appeal is issued to assist the united effort among advocates of democracy
and secular republic in Iran and to facilitate more deliberate discussions
and exchanges within the country and abroad. Toward that end we declare
the following to be our principles and objectives:
1. A Republic, founded on the principles of separation of powers, constitutional
guarantees of civil, political, social rights and individual liberties in
accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its related
United Nations covenants, is the appropriate form of governance for a sustainable
democracy in Iran. Elections and term limits for the head of State and the
government will create a true republic preventing any claim to power based
on heritage, religion, or ideology.
2. The democratic republic that we envision will be based on the principle
of separation of religious institutions and ideology from the State and
its institutions, and equal access for the followers of any religion or
ideology to the political arena. Separation of religious institutions and
the State is necessary to establish equal rights among the citizens, free
practice for the followers of all religions and ideologies and protection
of citizens.
3. Democracy cannot flourish where there is deprivation and disenfranchisement.
Freedom, social justice, and economic development are mutually necessary
conditions for sustainable social development. This includes the provision
of equal opportunity to affordable housing, healthcare, education, and social
welfare.
4. Sustainable development necessitates coexistence with the natural environment.
Therefore, we desire preservation of nature and the environment for the
present and future generations.
5. Women’s rights are human rights. We call for equal rights for women
and men and the realization of the principles of the UN’s Convention
on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. Women’s
rights in the family and the society must be guaranteed and any social,
cultural, and political victimization of individuals based on sex must be
eliminated. We desire an enabling environment for the flourishing of women’s
capabilities in all fields.
6. We believe in the equality of citizens irrespective of their ethnicity,
language, religion, or lifestyle. We call for policies that will redress
the political, cultural, and social discrimination experienced by minorities
and that will enhance mutual understanding among ethnic and religious groups.
7. Democratic governance will require the delegation of local administrative
and decision making process to the local elected officials. An effective
political process will recognize that stability, national interest and national
sovereignty can only be enhanced through decentralized allocation of responsibilities
and participation.
8. We believe in non-violent political struggle. The society and its body
politic have the right of expression of political and economic demands through
peaceful means. These include peaceful protests, strikes, acts of civil
disobedience and general referendum, as provided for in the international
conventions and norms.
9. We call for the elimination of all forms of violence in the political
arena, the society, and the family. We condemn torture and capital punishment
and believe that violent punishments are at variance with human dignity.
It is our belief that the vicious cycle of revengeful political violence
needs to end.
10. Iran’s national interest and international peace should be the
basis of Iran’s foreign policy and its guiding principles. Iran should
welcome friendly relations and cooperation with all countries based on mutual
interests and respect.
The
signers
Les signataires
Die Unterzeichner
For the list
of signatures to the platform click here.
updated on July 23, 2003
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