14/09/2011

PRINCIPLE-3: 3. Political Tolerance

Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in a democracy, the rights of the minority must be protected. People who are not in power must be allowed to organize and speak out. Minorities are sometimes referred to as the opposition because they may have ideas which are different from the majority.

Individual citizens must also learn to be tolerant of each other. A democratic society is often composed of people from different cultures, racial, religious and ethnic groups who have viewpoints different from the majority of the population.

A democratic society is enriched by diversity. If the majority deny rights to and destroy possible decision for the society. To achieve this, respect for all people and their points of view is needed.

Decisions are more likely to be accepted, even by those who oppose them, if all citizens have been allowed to discuss debate and question them.

Information given by Mr. Myat Ko Ko