The country’s five political parties came together, for the first time, to chart out plans for cooperation and solutions to promote healthy democracy. They also discussed the importance of political parties to sit together to pen down country’s long term strategies during a seminar called Political Parties Finding Solutions together- as a Bhutanese first, in Thimphu today.
In Bhutan, the political parties outside the parliament are engaged only during elections, many feel. They hardly have public space to discuss national plans and policies.
The seminar today was to plan out how to engage all the political parties, even the ones outside the parliament, and the importance of it to make democracy vibrant.
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa’s President, Dr.Tandi Dorji said the country is facing issues in economy, education and employment which require long term strategies of 10 to 15 years.
“If all the parties came together and cooperate to develop such long term visions then there would be continuity and we would not have to deal with problems such as closing down of education city project and issues surrounding BOiC.”
People’s Democratic Party’s Secretary General, Sonam Jatso said when it comes to issues that are of national importance, it is important for all the political parties to discuss.
“I think we have taken a step towards the cooperation already in the form of Bhutan Democracy Dialogue and we need to further strengthen it,” said Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s Secretary General, Ugyen Dorji.
Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party’s Secretary General, Karma Jimba said it is the government that can create conditions for the parties to work together. “Before any policies are implemented, consultations must be done with the parties.”
Druk Chirwang Tshogpa’s Secretary General, Ugyen Tshering, feels it is always better for any government to have a dialogue outside the hall before implementing any rules and regulations.
The seminar’s resource people were some of the prominent Danish politicians. It was jointly organized by Election Commission of Bhutan and Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy.
