The Bhutanese Leading the way.
On Thursday, the General Secretaries of the five political parties met over a meal and had a good and informal exchange among themselves.
The five of them agreed to overlook minor issues and as far as possible avoid the finger pointing and complaints that blighted past elections.
The debates on Television are also much more moderate compared to past debates and candidates have avoided attacking each other strongly.
The parties and their various workers have also held back.
The result is that no party has filed complaints against each other so far.
It is hoped that this spirit will carry on for the next few days until the poll day on 30th November.
The general elections round will be more competitive, but the same civility and understanding can be maintained.
Bhutanese look forward to elections since they can call the shots but they also dread it for the fighting and discord it can cause in our small society.
It is important to bring about accountability, but we do not need to be at each other’s throats.
The maturity shown in the current elections show that voters, candidates and parties have all evolved for the better.
They also know that elections in Bhutan may throw up different governments but at the end of the day we all need to work together to achieve our larger goals.
Donors giving less money for the elections are also a good sign as it shows that the donors are confident that whichever government comes to power they will be treated fairly.
There is also a recognition that the nation is facing some monumental challenges and change and our collective future is at stake. Our chances to do better will only go up if we are united and harmonious and all part of the same team.
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
Thomas Merton