From: vinsight@netcom.com (Chan T. Vninsight)
Subject: Free Election As An Answer
Originator: daemon@media.mit.edu
Reply-To: vinsight@netcom.com
Organization: N/A
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 08:08:06 GMT



FREE ELECTION AS AN ANSWER TO PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION

Free election is a magic word nowadays, a word which world politicians
consider an effective tool to end conflicts in many parts of the world,
and the oppressed citizens see as a way out of their political ordeal.
It is the symbol of our democratic era, and for the past two years, the
most effective weapon to bring down communism.

After years of gunfire and killing, Cambodia is finally on the verge of
a peaceful resolution of its agony. As the four warring factions agree
to drop their weapons and let the people be the judge of their own
destiny, one cannot help but hope that this democratic tide would soon
sweep over the oppressed land of Vietnam.

While there is no sign of political openness from the Hanoi leadership,
the current stagnation in Vietnam coupled with rising dissent both in
and outside the Party suggests that a drastic change is in the works.
Despite the regime's vow to fight against democracy, internal and
external pressures may lead to Hanoi's sudden concession to free
election.

In this scenario, the lessons of Eastern Europe must be studied to avoid
repeating the regrettable events in Romania and Bulgaria, where
democratic forces ended up loosing when the election was hastily held
with the totalitarian ruling apparatus still completely intact.

The first and foremost condition for a truly free and fair election in
Vietnam, and in any other totalitarian state for that matter, is the
dismantling of the oppressive apparatus. Specifically, these are the
Secret Police, the Party's hierarchy and its control of the army, the
public security forces, the central and local governments, and all
public institutions. Only when the Party's influence is removed from all
spheres can the people's rights and freedom be properly restored and
observed.

The second crucial step is the creation of a democratic environment
where people are free to express themselves, basic human and civil
rights restored, and all political forces can be at full play. The
implementation of a pluralistic political system is essential as the
foundation for true democracy, where different opinions are tolerated
and respected, and violence against opponents is outlawed.

Time is also an essential element to completely uproot the party's web,
to allow political organizations to form, voters to be educated about
their rights and the democratic system, and to seek information about
the candidates. Candidates also need time to seek public support.

The third crucial step is the selection of the election's organizing
committee, procedure and observers to assure the election is free and
fair. The media can play an important role through scrutinizing the
event and by alerting the public of any attempted fraud. The mere
presence of international observers, although often useful as a
deterrent to fraudulent acts, by itself is not adequate to guarantee a
clean election considering the communist party's undue influence
throughout society.

Unless these conditions are met, no truly free and fair election can be
held in Vietnam or any other oppressive part of the world. Nor can
peace and stability be assured following the election should the
tyranny lose its powers. The cases of Burma and Nicaragua are
two good examples.


-- 
Vietnam Insight (vinsight@netcom.com)
Chan Tran, editor
From: hai@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Hai Vo-Ba)
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 04:59:52 GMT
Subject: Re: Re: [MISC] Tra(m ho.  -- Tra^`m Tu+? Thie^n
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA