The kingdom’s democratization process crossed another milestone today with the election commission formally announcing the approval of the registration of the People’s Democratic Party.
The People’s Democratic Party has become the first political party to register with the election commission in the history of Bhutan.
The PDP was formed by a group of 103 registered voters led by Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup.
A news release from the election commission says having fulfilled the qualifications and requirements as set under the laws of the kingdom of Bhutan, the People’s Democratic Party is registered with the election commission from September 01.
The party symbol is a galloping white horse against the backdrop of a clear sky.
Making the announcement, the chief election commissioner Dasho Kunzang Wangdi explained what the party can do and what it cannot do having formally registered with the election commission.
Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said the party will have to intimate by end of this month, the establishment of all dzongkhag offices. It has to give all members who had registered earlier the option to reregister in the revised party membership form or deregister as a party member.
It is also required to deposit with the public election fund division of the election commission, all voluntary contributions made to the party by individuals who are not registered members or are public officials latest by 15th of this month.
The party also has to make clear and ensure that no voter is recruited as a member of the party or made to commit to vote for the party through coercion, threat or intimidation or inducement.
The PDP President Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup described it as a joyous occasion. He said with the registration of the party with the election commission, the People’s Democratic Party will move ahead preparing for the 2008 election to achieve the vision of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The People’s Democratic Party also opened a new party office in Motithang shortly after the party’s registration. The charter of the party, the election symbol, statement of accounts and the list of registered members as on this date will be made available on the website of the election commission www.election-bhutan.org.bt Source: BBS
