National Assembly contestants, mind your language, action

Thimphu, January 07: The Election Commission has begun revising the rules for the party candidates while participating the media debate. The revision came after criticism on way of presenting the National Council candidates in the TV debate.

According to the revised provisions, contestants will have to wear national dress and ensure that either candidate will not remove any clothing during the period of debate. They will not be allowed with helmets, padding, or shield. Likewise, contestants shall not remove shoes or throw it at each. Interestingly, the candidates after the end of the debate shall be allowed to exchange clothing, if they wish, except underwear.

Hand signals in other languages except the Ngalong that derogate opponent are banned. Candidates shall not punch the air to intimidate opponents, shall not point index fingers at their own temples meant to say opponent is mentally not sound, shall not insert fingers in their own throats that signifies urging opponent to vomit and shall not raise their index finger at opponent to mean to signal action after the function.

It will be the duty of the organizers to maintain a comfortable temperature on the debate spot. Panel-heaters or electric fans are allowed against blower-heater or handheld fan. The contestants are allowed to use limited antiperspirant items which shall be checked by the police before the debates. If seating continues, candidates may use one plain white cotton handkerchief measuring seven inches square. Chewing doma is ok but don’t spray to opponent.

There are several words that commission has prescribed for ‘no use’. They shall use words like lyonpo, dasho, ngegi gagpa-chabmey, dasho bjamchey to call to express respect. Similarly, phrases like ‘my distinguished opponent’, ‘the honorable gentleman’, ‘my knowledgeable opponent’ is also allowed. Changzay, tsagay, shopzay, zanday, tonday, kukpa, yongba, zala, yongmin, lengo, bjakhu, jadhu, “bjaney, gomachoep, tramashaoep, denakchung, or such other words are not allowed.

Debaters shall make reference to his spouse to mention the support he received for polls campaigning. Bhutan News Service