A Peaceful Process to Democratize Vietnam

It is critical that the solution we seek be beneficial to the country and be carried out with minimal loss of life and property and without further depleting the already limited resources available to rebuild the country.

Considering Vietnam's current situation and lessons drawn from other nations' practical experiences, the Free Vietnam Alliance proposes a peaceful democratization process of three stages:

Stage 1 - The Creation of A Pluralistic and Democratic Environment:

The transformation of Vietnam from the current state of dictatorship and singe-party rule to democratic pluralism requires, first of all, a suitable environment for pluralism in all arenas - politics, culture, society, etc. - to begin and flourish. This can be done only with:

1. The elimination of all laws that are anti-democratic and anti-pluralistic in nature.

2. The removal of limitations of and controls over basic rights which are spelled out in the International Declaration of Human Rights.

3. The independence between the government and political parties.

4. The specification of the role of the public security forces and the armed forces, which is to defend the country and citizens, not as a means to protect the Party or to suppress democratic activities.

5. The protection by law the equal right to exist and function publicly of all organizations and political parties.

Stage 2 - The Formation of Transitional Institutions:

All democratic forces and political parties will agree upon a format for a general election to be carried out under international observations. This process is to elect a Congress to prepare a Constitution for the democratic Vietnam and an interim government for the transitional state.

Stage 3 - The Construction of Democratic Pluralism:

Upon the completion of the new Constitution, the people of Vietnam will enact their democratic rights to establish the state's institution. Thence together they will rebuild and develop the country.

Next: Roles of the Vietnamese from Different Strata in the Democratization Process