Bhutan goes to the General Polls on July 13

Bhutan first introduced Democracy in the country in 2008 coinciding with centenary and coronation celebration of Fifth King Dragon King. The series of election was held staring from 2007 – the National Council Election in 15 districts and rest dzongkhag in drawn of 2008. National Assembly Election was held on 24^th March, 2013. Two newly formed parties contested in Election – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT).

 

First registered party, People’s Democratic Party lost the race to Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. Most of the people from nook and corner of the country supported in favor of DPT. DPT then formed first democratically elected government in the country. 

DPT rules the country for last five years and ends its tenure in the drawn of April, 2013. Back to 2008 to 2013, DPT brought major changes in the country in terms of infrastructure development, medical and health services, information and communication services, science and technology, minimized unemployment problems and many more. 

Before going to the poll, we the Bhutanese people have to think and decide well to elect government. Our expectations, dreams, aims and aspirations and goals are waiting to be fulfilled shortly.

Hereafter, we the people of small nation expect major changes in the country. The elected government should have to look nook and corner of the country. What changes do the people of Bhutan really in need? This question should be answered by elected party which will form the government soon.

Eastern Bhutan left behind in terms of everything. The narrow road network should broadened, telecommunication services interrupts now and then, electricity fluctuates timely, health and medical services lacks specialists, schools lacks necessary infrastructure, institutions and colleges are minimal, towns lacks necessary facilities, etc. moreover, there a lots to be done in next five years. Easterners waits for such facilities come in eastern Bhutan, but it failed prior to.

Still eagerly waiting for these facilities comes in reality in next five years. During campaign parties pledges and promises to fulfill collective dreams of Easterners. But people in east are lacking knowledge of how much developmental activities are taking in Bhutan. The people should put their collective goals together with local government leaders, but local government leaders too fail to do such. I feel that some few local leaders are dominated by Dzongda and Planning Officers. They never let Gups to raise their needs in Gewogs during Dzongkhag Tshogdu. That led east to grew at minimal rate.

For example, local leaders in west are stronger than Dzongkhag Officials. They raise their needs in the Gewogs and villages. In return, the developmental activities are on track and infrastructures come in villages undoubtedly. 

As a general, youth should be aware of unemployment problems in Bhutan. As promised by parties during Party Presidential debate and in manifestos they declared they will give employment to each and every youth holding degree, diploma, and class twelve or ten certificates. “My heart is aching when single Bhutanese left unemployed” said one of the Presidents during Presidential debate. 

Unemployment is major trends in Bhutan, today. Ministry of Labour and Human Resources rated unemployment 2.1% but National Statistical Bureau 2.7%. These two ratings are unmatched. The rating of MoLHR and NSB is unmatched. When unemployment problems will be solved? Which one we the Bhutanese youth should belief now? We are in predicament. Therefore, next elected government should have to solve above problems immediately as per their pledges.

There are numerous others problems to be solved, i.e. Indian National Rupee (INR) liquidity crunch immediately. This crunch affects our Bhutanese in business, infrastructural development, suffers Bhutanese studying in India, and many more. This is one thing that all people expect to solve shortly.

Most important of all is that to build vibrant democracy in the country without corruption. The constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan be respected and strictly followed. Either of parties elects to form government should eradicate corruption. Natural resources that are resources of collective Bhutanese people should not be allotted to few relatives, friends and neighbours of party elects. 

Therefore, our fellow Bhutanese, we should have to think deeply before casting our precious votes. Our single votes will make great difference and changes will come true, otherwise. Vote for wise, prudent and works hard for the people of Bhutan.