Tumultuous becomes the Thimphu politics
The Thimphu politics, expanding number of parties, is observed to going more fragmented, contrast to what the rulers say the politicians and people in the country are united.
The ministers in the cabinet and members in the royal national assembly have already divided to join their near and dears in the new parties. With dates nearing to register the parties with the election commission, news gangs still go on appearing in this suspiciously observed monarchy-guided new democracy.
The latest upbeat was of the formation of communist intoned All People's Party where the GNH propagator and chief of the Center for Bhutan Studies Jigme Y. Thinley and present prime minister Khandu Wangchuk among other ministers have hand in. Trade and Industries Minister Yeshey Zimba and the Minister of Labour and Human Resources Ugyen Tshering are said to have consented their ears for its formation.
Earlier, Zimba was talked to have been proposed for BPUP presidency.
APP said it would foster 'unique democracy' in Bhutan, not elaborating what is means. While Thinely through Jigme Singye patronized GNH advocated happiness over dollars, his new party stressed the need for economic prosperity and harmonious existence.
The party declaration reads, "It is the humble message of the party to all Bhutanese to come forward and support the party in its maiden journey of establishing a truly democratic institution fulfilling the noble vision of our beloved kings."
People's Democratic Party (PDP), Bhutan National Party (BNP) and Bhutan People's United Party (BPUP) already formed had rumored for long that ministers would join them for the political battle. Doctors, journalists, diplomats abroad , bureaucrats among others have resigned from their profession to join politics to cover the vacuum of political activists cause by century long ban on people joining open politics. The health ministry said it was concerned over the doctors, the nation has only 90 doctors including 61 specialized, leaving the job to join politics.
With more parties coming up with candidates for all 47 constituencies, Bhutan felt the shortage of political leadership, the result of close politics for years.
PDP and BPUP have already begun their long march, establishing central, regional and district offices. Speculations are made whether the latter formed parties would get enthusiast young politicians because most of them have already joined others.
Yet the ministers have not formally announced if they are willing to run general election contest next year. Prospects are high they might fight for an Upper House seat.
PDP has made its impressive existence among the people while others not to the extent. The impetus of the new party would reach the political debate to a new height yet democracy and freedom for the Bhutanese people would remain unfulfilled in the guided democracy, controlled politicians and uneasy transition of the state.