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Bhutan Politics - Elections |
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People
appeal to His Majesty
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| More
than 400 people from Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Thimphu gathered in the
capital to submit petitions on their concerns over the democratic transition
to His Majesty the King, who granted an audience to more than 80 of their
representatives.
During
the audience, the people said that they had not expected democracy to bring
so much doubts and suspicions. They said that the results of the election,
a National Assembly without an opposition, would greatly harm democracy
and the nation. |
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They
said that, with the benefit of hindsight, they had come to believe that
the democratic process might have been introduced too early, as illiterate
villagers moved from one party to the other and were swayed by whatever
was said to them.
They
felt that their understanding of democracy was so limited that a return
to monarchy may be desirable.
His
Majesty said that the apprehensions of the people at this stage in the
transition are natural. However, in Bhutan, people in the civil service,
private sector, or from any walk of life had always served their country.
Therefore, irrespective of which political party formed the government,
it was made up of members who desire to work for the benefit of the people
and the nation.
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should also be remembered that democracy in Bhutan was not based on any
other country but designed to suit the people and the nation. "Our people's
love for our country, our unique culture, our tradition of consultation
and consensus building and stable political environment make Bhutan an
ideal nation for a vibrant democracy," said His Majesty. "And, with 34
years of preparation under the guidance of His Majesty the fourth Druk
Gyalpo, Bhutan and her people are ready for democracy." |
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His
Majesty said that, with the successful conclusion of the general elections,
he had complete confidence in the people's commitment to building a strong
democracy. He said that democracy must be built over decades by generations
of Bhutanese. Today's steps were the first. These steps must be taken by
the bureaucracy, the judiciary, National Council, National Assembly, the
private sector and all Bhutanese with dignity and in the spirit of unity
and common purpose.
"The
introduction of democracy is not for the benefit of a few political parties
and politicians. It is for Bhutan and it must serve the nation long after
we are gone. We must keep this in mind and begin the work of ensuring its
success."
His
Majesty told the people that they must convey to their families and friends
in the villages, the gratitude, happiness and pride of His Majesty the
fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Majesty for the spirit in which the people participated
in the first general elections to introduce democracy.
His
Majesty concluded by reminding the people that in democracy there are no
winners and losers. "If democracy succeeds, the nation wins."
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| Source:
Contributed by KUENSEL, Bhutan's National Newspaper, April 2008 |
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