Introduction

Democratic Transitions in Asia: Agenda for Action                                                           

The recent Indonesian elections saw the victory of the main opposition party - the Parti Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan. This was followed by the election of Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid as President and Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri as Vice President. There is optimism that the coalition government will usher in a new era for a post-Suharto Indonesia. this is made more remarkable by the fact that only a couple of years ago, the Golkar Party seemed invincible after four decades of power. Similar protest movements towards greater democratic space are strong in Malaysia and Cambodia.

In February 1986, the Philippine People Power Movement dismantled the two-decade old Marcos dictatorship. Since then, two peaceful presidential elections have been held. The Korean War ushered in decades of strong military governments. Despite the perceived role of the military for maintaining political stability, the economic boom in the 1980's to 90's had, nevertheless, provided a fertile soil for democratic roots to grow. This culminated with Kim Dae Jung's victory in 1997, the first oppositionist to win as president in 50 years. In Thailand, the revival of democracy from the late 60's to the early 70's resulted from earlier struggles against dictatorship. The emergence of youth activities (particularly university students and young professionals) clamoring for greater democratic space helped usher in an era of political dynamism that proved conducive for economic growth.

In several parts of the Asia, signs of a strong democracy can be seen in functioning electoral institutions. Indians will be voting again soon; Malaysia just concluded its national elections that saw the reelection of Dr. Mahathir as Prime Minister and Dr. Wan Azizah holding the Penang seat of her jailed husband. And the dramatic victory of opposition Democratic Progressive Party during the March 18 elections signaled a new chapter in Taiwan's history: Chen Chui-bian was the first non-KMT president and his victory could be attributed to his reformist and pro-democratic stance.

But freedom and democracy remain illusive in certain countries. Burma is still under the firm grip of the military junta that refuses to acknowledge the overwhelming victory of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy. Despite its economic might, Taiwan's quest for recognition as a state remains elusive with the continuing threats from China. Cambodia, despite international support, is able to barely reel from the political disasters of the past including those committed by the genocidal Pol Pot.

During the last quarter century, East and Southeast Asia has experienced political developments that have changed the course of the continent for the new millennium. The changes have been viewed as generally positive as they were geared toward the path of democratization.

As Post-World War II Asia had witnessed liberation of countries from foreign colonization, the last quarter of the century saw countries gaining freedom from home-grown dictatorships. Asia is a frontrunner in the global democracy that had swept and continues to sweep Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. Democratic Asian models may be far from their counterparts in Western Europe and North America but Asians are enjoying greater freedom now than before. Among the issues facing new democracies are developing democratic institutions and processes; human rights, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary; strengthening civil society and free media; civil-military relations; legal framework for the development of a free market economy; and decentralization and local autonomy.

Even countries that have experienced democratic rebirth are not spared from these issues. Thailand has to contend with alleged favoritism in the rehabilitation of the banking industry. President Kim Dae Jung's forcing of Chaebols to introduce structural reforms are met with stiff opposition from the conglomerates themselves. In the Philippines, there are prevailing concerns that the Estrada administration has opened the way for the return of the Marcos and their cronies; thereby fueling perceptions of a "creeping authoritarianism."

It is within this context that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) is proposing the conference entitled Democratic Transitions in Asia: Agenda for Action.

Attending are prominent academicians and political scientists, politicians and government officials, representatives from the NGO community and civil society, and media practitioners from all over the region. Key members of CALD parties are coming in full force. These are the Democratic Party (Thailand), Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan), Liberal Party of the Philippines, Liberal Party of Sri-Lanka, National Council of the Union of Burma, Parti Gerakan Rakyat of Malaysia, Sam Rainsy Party of Cambodia and the Singapore Democratic Party. Also attending are observers from Millennium Democratic Party of Korea. All major parties in Indonesia have been invited to attend the conference.

In other words, participants will come from countries with diverse experiences in democratic struggles. The sharing of experiences - including both successes and failures - will be useful to all participants.