Two parties formed for 2008 elections

Thimphu, March 24: After the repeated calls by the chief election commissioner Kunzang Wangdi for formation of the political parties and register for 2008 elections, two parties have been announced by this weekend.

In a press statement on Friday, four of the current Royal Advisory Councilors and 73 National Assembly members announced that they were in the process of forming a political party, but had many things in place.

On Saturday, Tshering Tobgay said he would lead the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which mostly has retired government officials and king’s former advisors. Tobgay said that his party has completed most of the initial works for party formation. He said his party has already identified potential candidates in all the constituencies to contest in the upcoming elections.

PDP said it is working on finalize its political charter, manifestos, and holding consultation with the people in the dzongkhags, gewogs, and chiwogs for expansion of the party networks.

Tobgay was the former head of then Department of Employment and
Labour and Internal audit of the Royal Insurance of Bhutan.

The other party is Bhutan People United Party (BPUP) whose chief would be announce only after the registration of the party with the election commission, stated Bhutan Observer weekly.

Both of them said they are ready to contest in the election in 2008.

According to the Bhutan Observer weekly newspaper, the BPUP had identified their party leader, a current serving minister, but would identify their candidates only after the complete registration of members.

Earlier, about 17 university graduates come together to name yet another party for them Drukyul United Peaceful Party but was dissolved without getting formal shape. Bhutan News Service