As
a realist and anti-corruption activist, I dare say- the State should fund
Political Parties in Bhutan and here are my Two
Cents as to why.
(For my readers outside Bhutan, State
funding for political parties has been a controversial issue ever since the
ruling party submitted to the Parliament for approval owing to the financial
difficulties faced.)
Not
considering the existing electoral laws vis-à-vis the governance of the
Political Parties in Bhutan and even by the modest and the most conservative
standard, Political Parties ought to spend not less than Nu. 3 million annually
to stay alive and kicking in the system. And that, invariably, excludes
resources needed in R&D Department, which I say is very crucial, if one is
to make any difference in the arena of politics.
And,
where should this 3 million come from? The Political
Parties Rules of the Kingdom of Bhutan-2009 provides for but limits the
source of revenue to one-time registration fee, membership fee and voluntary
contributions. If what’s being
experienced by the two existing political parties holds any water, this 3
million Ngultrum is hard to come by and it’s increasingly going to be harder with
memberships dwindling and no voluntary contribution coming forth. There are
also no indications, whatsoever, that people will register with the parties and
accordingly contribute to their sustainability in future. And if this be the
case, how will Political Parties function?
And,
yes of course, we have few elites who can chip in? But, as much restrictive as this voluntary contribution
is (there is ceiling to it as well), it is also a highly risky business. There
is a saying that my mother often reminds me of- “MEE ZEY KOEMER GYAL TSAM NA….RANG
SEM KIPAI DUE MESHAR”. (You will not have
peace of mind….if you have gobbled food from others). That’s where and when the environment for
CORRUPTION becomes conducive. And if this be the case, how will Political
Parties function?
Therefore, it is only proper that the State not only fund but also fund adequately if democracy is
not to be undermined in this country.
