Decision day

November 30 is only a few days away and the main question on many minds will be on which two parties will make it to the final round.

The first thing that must be said is that this is the most competitive primary round till date with five strong parties with strong Presidents and candidates.

Each of the Presidents have the capability to be Prime Ministers in their own right.

It is obvious that there is no shortage of talent among the five parties, however, only two parties will get through.

Making electoral predictions is a risky game as Bhutanese voters have continuously proven most political pundits wrong in 2008, 2013 and 2018.

At the start of the electoral season more than a month ago, the party that many considered the strongest was PDP with its huge convention and the general buzz around the party both online and offline.

However, being an early front runner in any race has its drawbacks as PDP became the party to beat with most attacks being focused on it. This was visible in the debates where it got more tough questions than even DNT.

The other favorite in the race is the DPT given its mainly loyal voter base in the east that has seen it through three  elections.

The BTP and DTT would have chipped away at this base but DPT still is the party to beat in the east.

DNT was dismissed early on but the party has made a comeback of sorts through the debates, skillful messaging and smart politics.

If voters want a complete change then BTP and DTT stand to gain. Of the two BTP is stronger in the east but DTT can also not be counted out for its ambitious pledges and approach.

Ultimately the voters will decide on poll day.

“Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.”
Nanette L. Avery