Bhutan Observer, Thimphu:24 August 2007 The president of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, former home minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley presented the party’s 24-article draft manifesto to some 500 party members at the party’s first general assembly on 20 August.
The manifesto stressed on the expansion of the power sector and road network, strengthening bureaucracy, enhancing private sector development, maintaining foreign policy, safeguarding human rights and cross-sectional representation, among others.
Addressing the party members, the party president said that using votes responsibly and sensibly will have a direct bearing on the future of the whole nation.
“None can be punished for exercising their free choice,” said Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley, adding that everything about party management and decision making must be democratic.
He said that people could not be punished for the way they voted and genjas should not oblige voters to vote in a certain way. “To believe so is to be ignorant and to misunderstand the whole purpose of democracy.”
However, he pointed out that people’s support must not be to an individual or a candidate, but towards the larger cause of the party. He cautioned that party candidates should be those who would be able to preserve and build further on peace, justice and development in the country.
Phuensum Tshogpa is yet to finalise its candidates. Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said that was not due to lack of candidates, but because candidate selection was an important task.
“As a party that believes in the principles of democracy, it is important to select people who have support from the people, ensure good governance in the country and who will win votes,” he said. Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley said that Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) was not an enemy, but just another party offering choice to the people.
“If people prefer us and give us the mandate, we will serve well and if not, we will support the government when it does right and oppose when it does wrong, all in the interest of the people and the country,” he said. PDP also has the party draft manifesto, most of the candidates, party office bearers and charter ready.
The party expects to get the registration certificate from the Election Commission soon.
By Sonam Pelden