One of the major issues that cropped up during the discussion on the Public Accounts Committee’s report in the Parliament today was the status of the debt of the political parties. Even though the political parties have been able to clear off their debts as stated by the PAC report, the discussion revolved around the need for clearer policy to tackle such issue that may arise in the future.
The Nubi-Tangsibji MP, Nidup Zangpo, said People’s Democratic Party (PDP) broke the law and should be held liable for it. He drew comparison with Tokay Gecko case in Gelegphu. He said if the Tshachu’s caretaker is being tried in the court for capturing a gecko, so should the political parties for flouting Section 564 of the Election Act of the Kingdom Bhutan.
The Section 564 states that any act or omission which is an offence under the Penal Code of Bhutan shall be deemed to be an offence under this Act if committed in relation to any activity connected with the preparation or revision of an Electoral Roll or conduct of an election and be punishable with the same penalty as prescribed under the Penal Code of Bhutan.
The section goes on to say ECB will take action based on gravity of the offence which could result into either warning, forfeiture, fine, public reprimand and restraining order. It could also result into cancellation of candidature, nullification of election results and deregistration of a Political Party.
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The Home and Cultural Affairs Minister, Damchoe Dorji asked if both the parties had broken the rule. He said PDP and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) had taken loans with land as collateral. He went on to explain that PDP’s former President gave the money as a donation to the party after permission from the Election Commission of Bhutan. “Everything was done in line with the laws of the land.”
The National Council MP, Karma Damcho Nidup, said even DPT had dues to its former president. “They cleared their dues after the former president gave them the money as donation.” She said if ECB was to strictly adhere to its law, and both the political parties were prosecuted then it would have been a big blow to the democracy in Bhutan. “That is probably why they took administrative action.” She said the parliament has the power to amend the laws if it feels the need to amend laws.
The Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP, Ugyen Wangdi, said the report from the PAC might be responsible for the confusion. “Earlier they had said it was illegal but this time it says it is not against the law.” He also said the law is clear and there is no need to point fingers at each other.
The Khar-Yurung MP, Zangley Dukpa, said the ECB Act has to be amended to clear the confusion.
The Public Accounts Committee was asked to re-work on the report during the first session of parliament last year.
Meanwhile, the joint sitting also discussed the Performance Audit of Environmental issues in Forestry.
