(19 March 2003) His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi dismissed as "a shame and a child's play" the democratic systems prevailing in the world today because they surrender the leadership of the country "to mediocres and passers-by on the street". Instead, Maharishi said, government should be entrusted to scientists, doctors, and educators of expert intelligence who possess the complete knowledge of Natural Law to create prevention-oriented, problem-free administration.

Maharishi's declaration came during his weekly global news conference last Wednesday, which was broadcast live to media on all continents via satellite, Internet webcast, and teleconference call. Maharishi's next global news conferences will be held on 19 and 20 March.

Maharishi cited the money-driven politics of wealthy nations and the corrupt practices in poor countries where politicians distribute blankets or money to collect votes and win elections. "It's not money that will successfully administer the nation," Maharishi said. "It's the expert intelligence - the fully developed mind of the leaders."

Maharishi's solution calls for every country to establish a second, complementary government to be headed by top scientists, health professionals, and educators. "These leaders will promote the deep scientific principles of Natural Law to create prevention-oriented, problem-free administration. They will also implement practical programmes that have been scientifically proven to prevent problems in all areas of society, including in education, health care, and defence." Maharishi emphasised that the second government will not usurp any of the responsibilities of current administrations.

Maharishi praised Dr John Hagelin, quantum physicist and presidential nominee of the Natural Law Party in 2000, for leading the effort to establish a new US Peace Government as a second government in America. "Dr Hagelin's initiative will make America a blessing for the whole world family," Maharishi said.

The US Peace Government will be the American affiliate of the Global Country of World Peace, which was established two years ago by Maharishi as "a nation without borders for peace-loving people everywhere." The Global Country of World Peace offers governments the profound scientific knowledge and programmes of total Natural Law available in Maharishi's Vedic Science to promote prevention-oriented, problem-free administration in every country. Dr Hagelin serves as the Minister of Science and Technology of the Global Country of World Peace.

Maharishi explained that the fatal flaw of democracy and all other political systems can be found in their man-made constitutions, which are rife with human weaknesses and failings. "Government will always be a mockery as long as human intelligence administers human affairs," Maharishi said. "Human affairs have to be administered by the higher intelligence of Natural Law, which governs the infinite diversity of the universe with perfect order and in the evolutionary direction. Anything less - any limited intelligence - will make a mess of administration."

Maharishi added that the positive influence of the second government will be immediate. "Bring in the light and the darkness will disappear," Maharishi said. "Establish a second government of Natural Law and the problems and failures of the man-made government will disappear."

Maharishi's plan to bring the support of Natural Law to man-made governments calls for establishing a group of 8,000 peace-creating experts on each continent and a larger group of 40,000 experts in India. These groups will generate coherent world consciousness - the basis for lasting world peace. In addition,

Maharishi's plan calls for establishing 3,000 Peace Palaces in the world's largest 3,000 cities, including 51 cities in the UK, which will be home to groups of 100 to 200 peace-creating experts. The Peace Palaces will also provide courses for the whole population in the peace-promoting programmes of Maharishi's Vedic Science.

Maharishi said that his consciousness-based approach to education is key to his plan because it will promote total brain functioning and develop every student's full creative potential. "Education should train a person how to think from the source of thought so that whatever he thinks, he engages the infinite potential of Natural Law to fulfil his desires. This is the kind of education we want to promote in our dear world, so that everyone will be fulfilled, everyone will enjoy peace of mind - and no one will struggle for success."

Maharishi concluded his news conference by proclaiming the dawn of a bright new future for all mankind. "We are steering the course of time to create a new world of affluence and peace through the knowledge of Natural Law, the knowledge of God," Maharishi said. "Whoever has the torch leads the way. We have the torch of total knowledge of Natural Law and we are prepared to spread the light. Even if it is midnight, if you light the lamp in your own house, you can live in light. Even if the environment is chaotic, you can still be fully enlightened. It is our joy to present this knowledge to all the people in the world."