The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy marked the International Day of Democracy in the capital yesterday by launching a television series called Jurwa, ‘Changing Times’ and a music video called ‘Dear Prime Minister.”
The television series and the music video was screened to the audiences which comprised of members of parliament, representatives from political parties and Civil Service Organization, Democracy Club members from different schools in Thimphu and Paro and other relevant officials.
The short music video appeals to the every Bhutanese, inclusive of the Prime Minister, the Members of the Parliament, and the aspiring political candidates to refrain from creating social division arising from political differences, caste, religion or race, and to support the most capable candidates without any preconceived notions or influence from ones nearer relations. The song also emphasizes on the need to vote without indulging in any corrupt practices to promote fair system of governance and a vibrant democracy in the country.
The television series, Jurwa revolves around the protagonist, Sangay Penjor who is a civil servant aspiring to contest in the upcoming election. The protagonist however is faced with numerous hurdles arising from differences in the party supported by his nearer relations that leads to divided opinions among the family members. Sangay Penjor’s challenges ultimately resonates the political issues and social ills that are still prevalent in our young democratic systems.
The representatives from five registered political parties in the country, who are also the members of the Bhutan Democracy Dialogue, participated in the event by giving talks on the state of democracy in the country.
The General Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sonam Jatsho said that people’s participation is very important for a vibrant democracy in the country. “Unlike the other countries, we are privileged to have ours monarchs, which calls for better opportunities for a young democracy like ours to prosper in harmony and ensure future stability. It is the responsible of every citizen to promote healthy democracy and harmony in the country by refraining from dividing our society on the basis of political differences,” spoke Sonam Jatsho.
The Secretary General of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), Ugyen Dorji said that that foundation the democracy has been very successful. He said that after the first and second rounds of the election, it is even more imperative now to call for active people’s participation in the upcoming elections.
The president of the Druk Chirwang Tshogpa (DCT), Lily Wangchuk spoke on the need for a transparent system of governance, and active citizen to nurture our young democracy.
The Vice President of the Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP), Sonam Tobgay and the registered candidate of the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), Yeshey Dema also echoed the views of their fellow speakers and iterated that democracy should embrace every aspects of society, irrespective of caste, religion, social status and political beliefs.
Sonam Tobgay said that people must have strong beliefs to explore the depths of democratic functioning, and that the system of democracy should be exemplary and timeless. Yeshey Dema, based on her personal experience, said that it is important for the citizens of the country to vote for the right candidates, so as to refrain from being critical of the government in power at a later point of time.
The theme this year for the International Day of Democracy is, ‘Democracy and Conflict Prevention’ which focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability in the world.
