In an attempt to be different from five other aspiring political parties to contest in the 2013 elections, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa is treading an unconventional path.
“There is no conventional manifesto” says Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa’s spokesperson, Norbu Wangchuk. Instead, the party is looking at it as a mandate of people, “therefore we are looking it as a contract that DNT would sign with the people of Bhutan,” he said.
The party, according to its members, is about a team, commitment and overtly ambitious plan, plans like building a robust economy, addressing economic disparity and advocating regional balanced development.
A potential candidate of DNT, Dr. Tandin Dorji, said Nyamrup is working on the strength of its professional candidates and a team to make a difference. “The strength of the party ultimately will depend on all three components- a very strong leader, equally committed professionals and a strong team that will provide all the support for the party. I think we have fulfilled two components already.”
The party is yet to identify a president.
“We are not worried about finding a Prime Ministerial candidate,” said Norbu Wangchuk, “We just need to have attractive vision for the country and there are a lot of competent and committed people who would buy that vision, would like to associate with that vision and we are confident such a person would come in.”
When asked if the party is considering having a lady president, the party’s Women Coordinator, Tshering Dolkar, said that could be an option. “If we get a lady president, nothing could be better than that.”
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa has 33 candidates confirmed of which six are women.
They are planning to register with the Election Commission by end of next month.