DNC smells rat in ECB standard

Siliguri, July 16: Druk National Congress has alleged that the Election Commission is playing a double standard in regard to registration of the party, recruitment of the party member and running campaigns.

On June 6, the Chief Election Commissioner said that political parties, even after formally registering with the commission will not be allowed to campaign until the campaign period is notified.

He further said that political parties can only engage in activities such as recruiting party members and collection and mobilization of funds, after formal registration and the commission warned that violation of this norm would invite legal action from EC.

DNC said that the People's Democratic Party, while not formally registered at the commission, has already recruited 4,000 members forcefully.

The party has charged Nu.1,200 as membership fee. “In this whole exercise, innocent and ignorant people were threatened and intimidated into becoming its members. The presence of ‘Pelden Druk Zhung’ (the government of Bhutan emblem) inscription in their booklet is one of attributes compelling people to submit to its demands,” the DNC said.

DNC further said that in the eastern region, PDP has granted a fund of Nu 100,000 and one vehicle each to six people. Despite the present provision that only government can organise mass meeting, the PDP conducted the numerous meetings in different villages without any hassles.

“Villagers were threatened that anything less then complete support to PDP would invite dire consequences. It has been almost a month since a PDP member was caught red handed for making people fill party forms in Lhuentse on mock Election Day, but the ECB had done nothing about it,” the party said.

The Election Commission's reluctance to take action against PDP despite full knowledge of their unlawful activities, is making many people conclude that the application of laws is biased and different for different parties, the party further said and alleged that the government has failed to control Sangay Nidup's aggressive campaign and breaking of State laws.

DNC also demanded that the EC immediately initiate action and book those responsible, under the law. “Lack of prompt action would leave an indelible stain on the Election Commission's office and DNC would hold the present incumbents responsible,” the press release reads. Bhutan News Service