Parties target youths to tempo campaigns

Thimphu, November 13: Despite the obstruction from the education sector and warnings from the election commission, the political parties have continued their efforts to draw support from the youths and students in their campaigns.

Druk Phunsum Tshogpa (DPT) president Jigme Y Thinley addressed a gathering of youths in capital on November 11 at Kelki Higher Secondary School where he stressed the importance of youth involvement in the democratic process.

From more than 200 youths, Thinley sought issued and problems related to youngsters to be addressed by the party.

Khandu Om, the coordinator for DPT youth wing, hesitance to nuance of democracy and human rights, only said their involvement was necessary in a democratic government.

The same day, about five dozen young people from across the country, who had gathered in Thimphu for a children and youth festival, met with election commission officials and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party and the DPT.

Though educational institutions have expelled the students talking politics, the government and the political parties take opportunities like this festivals to educate and motivate the youths and students towards politics and continue making efforts to adopt them as party cadres.

During the meeting, the parry leaders and the election commission officials explained the current political developments, the democratic system and voting rights.

Though the election commission has warned the parties not to start sister organizations, the two parties have said they have formed their youth and women wings.

Students and the youths concerned the employment problem and corruption rather than the party politics and democratic process. Bhutan News Service