Neten Sherub
Kuensel Online
October 10, 2013
Civil society is the arena in which there exist the institutions of cooperation and trust among people, and the ability of communities to organise themselves for common purposes, outside the control of state. The accumulation of group strength trusts and will power constitutes the social capitals that enable civil society to exist and function effectively. The civil society sector is not only emerging as a clear societal actor in many parts of the world, but is also quite varied in its nature and composition. For the same reason, the definitions of civil society vary considerably, based on different conceptual paradigms, historic origins, and country context.
Civil society, in the form of different community associations and organisations, forms an integral part of traditional Bhutanese society. Such associations provide people with opportunities to participate in decisions related to different activities that have a bearing on their day-to-day lives. The civil associations formed under the rules and regulations of NGOs are an extension of traditional social groups formed to enhance community coexistence and wellbeing.
Civil society does not include trade unions, political parties, cooperates or religious organisations.
Civil Society and Democracy
Bhutan is the world’s youngest democracy so the concept of democracy is fairly new and in its infancy now. The need to provide a basic understanding of different elements of democracy to a cross section of society still remains. It is also important to develop a democratic culture, political ideology and philosophy in Bhutan’s new democratic society. Even then many would argue that democracy is not a new concept for Bhutan as our successive kings had encouraged people’s participation in governance through various platforms.
The success of a nascent democracy depends on the creation of people that is educated about democratic concepts and culture. It would require independent media that can educate and inform the public and a public space for debate so that the electorate can make informed choice as they continually elect their leaders. It requires citizens who understand their role and responsibilities in a democracy. Our Constitution was adopted and democratic structures are being established, but political ideologies are yet to be nurtured.
Citizen’s participation in shaping and nurturing democratic values is indispensable, therefore, creating the need for civil society. Like the old civilisations the unwritten laws and well-defined practices existed in Bhutan long before modern development began. Then Bhutanese civil societies were very informal and independent. The existence of cooperation, trust, collective action and civic engagement, which form an integral part of a traditional farming society in rural Bhutan, indicates the presence of a rich but informal civil society. Bhutanese people have organized themselves to address their own needs and purposes. Societies move forward when the citizens that make up these groups are empowered to transform common interests into common actions that serve common goodness. We were a people before we were a nation.
Bhutan under the leadership of His Majesty the King initiated the formation of “formal” civil society to fulfill the aspiration of Bhutanese people. Our Constitution ensures fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, thought and religion and right to peaceful assembly. The foundation of civil society is enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan in section 3 of Article 9, which states, “endeavor to create a civil society free of oppression, discrimination and violence, based on rule of law, protection of human rights and dignity.” Prior to the adoption of the Constitution, the National Assembly had passed the Civil Society Organization Act on July 31, 2007.
Beyond Elections and Institutions – Substance and process (Civil Society’s Roles)
The Bhutanese people must think beyond basic voting rights to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of each and every citizen in a young and emerging democracy. As our democracy matures, our people must learn to make independent judgments that are best for themselves and the nation. The old traditional values of unquestionable loyalty may have served us well in the past but changing times demand that we step away from “groupthink” to take informed and independent decisions thereby providing equal voice and representation to each individual. The civil society can play a crucial role in taking our country beyond the elections and institutions to build a culture that represents democracy in its truest sense. The civil society can create awareness to the people on the elements and ideals of and promote pluralism and strengthen political institutions.
Civil societies play vital roles in addressing the challenges of democracy related to inequality and injustice, basic human rights, marginalization, corruption, under-representation. The civil society will generate social basis of democracy, social capital and network, shared values and trust, creating and promoting political alternatives, supporting the rights of citizens and concept of citizenship. They can also mobilise social actors, which represent the interests of various different groups of society ensuring that the majority rule cannot ignore minority interests.
Inclusive decision-making and the space for discussion of public affairs are necessary in all democratic system. Free and matured media can be a forum for such arena. Civil society can play roles of advocacy, watchdog and service provider. It contributes towards both the substances and process of democracy.
Civil society can act as a bridge connecting sector boundaries and thereby generating larger body of interest and new resources through cooperation with the public or private sector.
Civil society cannot function in isolation, but has to work in partnership. It is by no means homogenous. Through collaborative action in alliances, there can be greater impact at policy level, and a means to set standards in accountability. Alliances and networking create solidarity amongst like-minded and thus promote sharing of ideas and best practices. Constructive engagement will strengthen the fabric of democracy while aggregating the forces working towards an equal, just and democratic hemisphere. These critical ideals of civil society will do much to strengthen values and structures critical to meaningful democracy.
Civil society can monitor and follow up on governments’ domestic and international commitments. A necessary activity in ensuring accountability, these commitments provide baseline against which to measure progress in key areas, while monitoring ensures that appropriate public policies are being implemented and adhered to. It is with a diverse civil society that we can hold government accountable.
We will progress as a nation only if we have free society and people participate in all spheres. Progress in 21st century depends on the ability of individuals to coalesce around the shared goals, and harness the power of their convictions. The civil society activism will foster inclusive society and participatory roles of all sectors in development process; our country can achieve our noble goal of Gross National Happiness and a vibrant democracy.
