The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and General Secretary met with local journalists to clear doubts on the allegation of coalition of PDP and Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) on 12 June.
PDP president Tshering Tobgay said, “Seven ex-DNT candidates have joined PDP in accordance with provision of our laws, some people, in particular DPT have alleged that two parties have merged together. I would like to confirm that there are laws which do not allow coalition, we don’t have coalition and the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) said it is legal and all ex candidates of DNT have been accepted by respective Returning Officers.”
The PDP President explained that DNT is an independent party, they would like to stay independent and PDP is an independent party that would like to stay independent.
A coalition between parties would not serve purpose of either party nor it is permitted by law, and therefore any accusation and allegation of coalition was dismissed as misplaced. PDP President Tshering Tobgay said “It is intended to misguide our public.”
With the entry of seven DNT candidates PDP had strengthened what it already believed to be a strong team. The party is poised to assume the highest of responsibilities and dedicated the next five years in the service of king, country and people.
During the conference the result of primary round of elections was interpreted by the PDP President as party-based and not just candidate-based
“Our candidates realized that the ex-DNT candidates who are willing to join our party had better chances and at any rate they are more experienced, qualified and render better services. Most of the candidates that have been replaced were young, fresh graduates and they were happy to leave for the sake of democracy and to further strengthen democracy,” said Tshering Tobgay.
It was also announced that four of PDP candidates were ready to register as party members to run in the general elections but according to ECB rules, they cannot register new candidates during election period and so they are not able to register and thereby could not participate in the general elections.
Another explanation offered was some of PDP candidates were not fully aware since this is the first time that ECB is conducting a Primary round of election.
For all the constituencies where replacements were made except for one who was a tentative candidate even the former candidates were aware that they were tentative candidate and chose to serve in that capacity during the primary round of elections.
“They will continue to work for the party and will be with us in the PDP family and we will help them mobilize support in the general elections,” said Tshering Tobgay.
The seven candidates that joined PDP from DNT are Dorji Choden from Thrimshing-Kangpara, Jigme Zangpo from Mongar, Norbu Wangchuk from Kanglung-Samkhar-Udzorong, Leki Dorji from Bardo-Trong, Tshering from Panbang, Kinley Dorji from Radhi-Sakteng and Pelzang Wangchuk from Jomotshangkha-Martshala.
“I am confident that with such a qualified, experienced and able set of candidates, we will be able to realize hopes and aspirations of people, country and contribute toward realization of the noble vision of His Majesty the King,” said the PDP President who started his campaign from Punakha on 14 June after receiving blessings from the sacred Machen of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in Punakha Dzong.
Tshering Dorji / Thimphu
