Democratic institutions are necessary and very important, and if I remained at the head of government, it could be an obstacle to democratic practice. Also, if I were to remain, then I would have to join one of the parties. If the Dalai Lama joins one party, then that makes it hard for the system to work.

I really do not want to carry some kind of party function.

If the Dalai Lama joins one party, then that makes it hard for the system to work.

But when it comes to democratic political parties, I prefer that monks and nuns not join them - in order to ensure proper democratic practice.