The ongoing National Council Public Debate is keeping the viewers in some parts of Zhemgang glued to their television sets. A man in his early 50s at Dhakpai village in Nangkor Gewog never misses a single episode of the live public debate even if the candidates do not represent Zhemgang. It is the new format of the public debate that drew his interest to keep watching the public debate every evening without fail.
53-year-old Sonam Jamtsho from Dhakpai village leaves his farm works before time, to catch the live broadcast of the NC public debate. And his neighbour also joins him.
Sonam says watching the live debate with a friend is more fun as they get to debate among themselves as well on issues of national concern.
“During the daytime, I have to work in the field. So, I leave work by around 5.30 pm and head home to catch the live debate. I am very curious about the national council elections and make it a point to watch by any means. This allows me to know more about the candidates during the debate. I am curious to see which candidates perform better,” said Sonam Jamtsho.
Sonam Jamtsho says the public debate is an important source of information for the villagers with the poll day for the National Council election just 19 days away.
Another resident of Zhemgang town says the debate allows viewers to choose better candidates.
“We watch the National Council public debate on TV. The live debate is very interesting. We can also know the number of candidates in each district and their knowledge on various topics. Despite the daily farm work, we never fail to watch the live broadcast in the evening. The unrehearsed response the candidates have to give after opening the envelope containing the question is interesting. It allows us to know their level of competency and many fail to give the right answers,” added Sonam Jamtsho.
“Comparing to the past election debate, it is much better this time. The question and answer session between the moderator and the candidates is very engaging. This new format where the moderator asks follow-up questions enables viewers to choose capable candidates,” said Dawa, another resident.
Apart from watching the public debate live on television, some people catch it on the radio while on the road.
A number of viewers BBS talked to say this is because of the new element of the live broadcast where the moderator asks follow-up questions exposing the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Phub Gyem
