PDP on an optimistic path

Despite the increase in the registration fee, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continues to register members, and has reached about 250 members.

The registration fee has increased to Nu 100 and annual membership to 1200.

Even with this, the PDP still has many old members renewing their memberships, including the people vying for membership.

According to the Secretary General, Yogesh Tamang, the party has requested dzongkhags to elect representatives to be the board members in the executive committee or board from dzongkhags.

The party has also engaged works on updating its charter, about 80% has been completed, and the updated charter will be made public in about two week’s time.

“We are making new changes but it will not be completely new. This has been done in accordance to the changing times,” said Yogesh Tamang.

He said that with the goodwill and support, there were no major problems except for debt clearance.

The Secretary General, said members are willing to make the voluntary contributions, but, were a little reluctant as their contribution will be routed toward clearing off the old loans instead of strengthening the party.

“We’re explaining to them that we must clear all debts by this month as per Election Commission of Bhutan’s (ECB) directives,” said Yogesh Tamang.

The party is also relying on generous voluntary contributions from individuals and private sector.

The PDP has already cleared 60% of its debts and as required by the ECB, the party is targeting to pay off its debts within this month.

The party has not stopped requesting the media houses on a discount pitch, on what it owes in the advertisement front, however, it is hopeful that the media houses will be forthcoming.