Laying rumors, speculation and name-calling to rest, the seven candidates from Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) have confirmed they are moving to People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The decision, which most of these candidates called it as “difficult but conscious”, comes almost after a week of closed-door meetings.
The candidates include DNT’s President Dorji Choden from Thrimshing, Vice-President, Jigme Zangpo from Monggar, Norbu Wangchuk from Kanglung-Samkhar-Udzorong, Lekey Dorji from Bardo-Trong and Tshering from Panbang, Pelzang Wangchuk from Jomotshangkha-Martshala and Kinley Dorji from Radhi-Sagteng.
In last one week, there were speculations and accusations- some questioning the moralities and integrities. Most of them took to social media. There were name callings- some called horse-trading undesirable, there were others who supported the move as they believe this would create a vibrant democracy.
Norbu Wangchuk, who was also the first one to confirm the decision, said it was not an impulsive decision but rather a decision that was well considered. Asked, if they thought they are an opportunists, Norbu Wangchuk, said yes, because they see an opportunity to serve the country better by being in politics.
“What we see is a greater cause- the cause for vibrant democracy and when I say a cause for a vibrant democracy, I think a vibrant democracy is unfolded in the kind of parliament we have. Nurturing of robust parliament where ideas are contested, where alternate views are explored, where policies and legislations can be fashioned through meaningful debate and deliberation,” said Norbu Wangchuk. He said this can take place only when there are good candidates, not just good in terms of competent and skills but also in terms of the numbers. “We would not like to see a parliament which is dominated by one singular political party.”
The other reason, which the candidates considered, was resting the rumors and interpretations by people that DPT and PDP were east and west parties. This, he said, was a dangerous development after the primary elections result.
“People could be spreading and fuelling this regionalism and therefore we found there is a cause for us to correct this. And therefore if you look at the profile of seven candidates, who are joining people’s Democratic Party, most of us are from the East and we find if some of the constituencies in the East can be secured by the PDP then the impression that is being spread that eastern and western party could somehow be neutralized and therefore we could correct the wrong that is happening right now.”
Asked if their candidates moving to PDP is a coalition, Norbu Wangchuk, said it was difficult to interpret but he said seven of them would contribute in making a vibrant parliament by joining People’s Democratic Party. Meanwhile, the candidates -who are already on their way to their constituencies- said they are waiting to hear from the Election Commission of Bhutan as two parties, DPT and PDP, file a nomination of candidates to the Commission tomorrow.
