"SOMETHING THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO KNOW"
With the institution of Democracy in Bhutan in 2008, the first five years of democratically elected government is now over. That was a new history in Bhutanese politics after having spent a peaceful time under leadership of our visionary Kings for a century. Bhutanese got the right to elect their own leaders as enshrined in the Constitution of Bhutan. However, I think the democracy of Bhutan is still at nursery stage and it needs time to nourish. But the unavoidable circumstances do come on its way straining its move to a vibrant democratic Bhutan.
During 2008 election, there were many speculations about cases of corruption, misuse of money and resources to garner votes, misleading voters, political candidates throwing parties, bribing in terms of monetary, transportation, things etc. There were also cases where voters were even threatened with harsh consequences by grass root level party workers if they do not vote for the party that they supported.
According to psephologists, if such cases are true then it is a true sign of unhealthy democracy. There are many Constitutional institutions like Anti Corruption Commission, Election Commission of Bhutan, Office of Attorney General and strong Judiciary system in Bhutan to curb and prevent unhealthy politics if any. However, few fishes do get out of the net and their presence and effects are felt. Hence, it is a duty of each and every citizen of Bhutan to prevent such trends of politicking in Bhutan.
In 2008, People's Democratic Party (PDP) contested national election against Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in which DPT won with a landslide margin of seats in the parliament. That was the time for PDP when they did not believe the election results. PDP had to serve the country as first opposition party of first Democratic Bhutan. Similarly in 2013 election, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) failed to get the required number of seats to be a ruling party though DPT won Preliminary Round of election. Therefore, many questions need to be raised;
1. Are Bhutanese politicians over estimate the numbers? OR
2. Are Bhutanese politicians so rigid to accept the loss? OR
3. Bhutanese voters are so intelligent in electing a government? OR
4. Bhutanese politicians are power hungry?
Instead of causing division among communities, villages or families, Bhutanese politics should promote Unity, Peace and harmony. Our country is very tiny sandwiched between two giant countries. Therefore, unity and promotion of peace and tranquility among its citizen is the only way to survive. Moreover. the vibration of international politics has already felt in Bhutan and will be felt too. It is sole duties and responsibilities of parliamentarians to deliberate and legislate policies pertaining to sustainable economy instead of fulfilling personal desires.
In political dynamics, we can always expect the unexpected. Just as the number of sweets that matters for a kid, number of votes matters for the politicians. I think Bhutanese politicians may have to learn to accept loosing and winning is also a part of election as in other sports too. The mindset of voters do change.
In political dynamics, we can always expect the unexpected. Just as the number of sweets that matters for a kid, number of votes matters for the politicians. I think Bhutanese politicians may have to learn to accept loosing and winning is also a part of election as in other sports too. The mindset of voters do change.
A true politician is like a social activist and social worker who always fights and works for the welfare of those drowned with problems. And this is a problem with many politicians around the globe once they are elected to power by the voters. The journey of democracy in Bhutan has just begun. Politicians need to know election is a game of numbers and uncertainty.
Bhutanese politicians may have to learn to practise a habit of Winning and Loosing.
