Why the State should fund Political parties in Bhutan?

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.

Off-Party Campaign

In context of political change in the Thunder Dragon Kingdom

Many wake up from their deep but eternal slumber

While some on the pretext of 'responding to nation’s call'

Others calling it their sacred duty

Many for financial freedom

Few for social fame

Like many elsewhere

Some vowed for employment

Others guaranteed national security 

Many promised  better economic prosperity
Few even pledged to protect our pristine environment
A million dollar questions, however is- Is Bhutan changing for better?

Amidst these aspiring politicians
How many are genuine?

How many can deliver?
And yet-how many are crooks? Only a time can reveal and until such time

Lets think of those who thought of what one can do to one’s country and not otherwise.


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Note:This is the poem I wrote in 2007 when Bhutan was frantically preparing for transition from 100 years of Monarchy to Constitutional Democracy.  

His Majesty the King’s National Day Address to the nation

My fellow Bhutanese, it gives me great joy to speak to you on this auspicious occasion marking the day Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck ascended the Throne, in 1907. Our nation has been blessed with the benevolent reigns of four monarchs since.

It is exactly five years since I became King. In these five years, we have made a successful transition to democracy. The elected government, bureaucracy and government agencies have implemented important development activities effectively and we have continued to achieve impressive socio-economic growth. Bhutan’s relations with other nations have grown more diverse and strong. I am extremely proud of these achievements and the people and I, are deeply grateful to the government, dratshang, civil service and private sector.

In October, I married Jetsun Pema. I am grateful for the warmth and affection with which, all our Bhutanese people came together to celebrate with me. I deeply appreciate the efforts and preparations made by the government, bureaucracy and volunteers; the prayers of the Zhung Dratshang and religious community; the good wishes and blessings of our senior citizens; the joy and happiness with which the youth embraced the occasion and the wholehearted love and support of the people of the 20 dzongkhags. The strength of your love and kindness towards me leaves me deeply humbled. As a young King, I have not yet been able to serve you as my father has done but my greatest desire is that I must repay your love, loyalty, support and trust. I pledge that it shall be my life-long endeavor to do so.

My dear citizens, while I am deeply satisfied with the progress of our nation, it is my duty as King to contemplate, every single day, on the challenges that lie ahead for our nation. My deepest concerns today are:

Democracy – we have made a unique transition to democracy. What makes this transition even more extraordinary is the short span of time within which we have done so. Yet, the true test shall be whether we have the will and commitment to sustain a well functioning and strong vibrant democracy for all time to come. Further, we have a strong, committed parliament today, but my worry is, in the future, whether our best and brightest people will forsake their careers in order to serve the nation through politics. After all, for democracy to succeed, we will always need strong, capable and upright people in parliament.

Education – the government over the decades has built schools in remote areas and trained teachers to man these schools. It has made immense efforts to build a strong education system. However, is the education our youth are receiving attuned to needs of the nation? And once educated, will our children find employment and realize their full potential?

Corruption – will we allow it, as in so many developing countries, to spread throughout society and destroy everything? Or will we meet the challenge and overcome it no matter how difficult it might be? In fighting corruption, will we remember to also fight waste, unnecessary expenditure and complacency?

Self-reliance – how do we achieve a measure of self-reliance that will make our growth sustainable? How do we overcome our great dependence on imports, for example?

These are my concerns. But our people must be reassured that it is not only I, as King, who seeks the solutions to these problems. We have the government led by the prime minister, the civil service and members of parliament and local government, who shall all work together to address these challenges.

I am confident because our people are unique. Our people are proud citizens who love our country and take it as our sacred duty to serve the nation. As Bhutanese we have so many qualities to be proud of. The manner, in which we all were united in celebration of my wedding, is a symbol of the fraternity and brotherhood among our people. It is an auspicious sign, that we will always come together, in good times and bad, in the interest of our nation. We will always, together as one, defend and protect our nation. If we are able to preserve this strength of unity and harmony, we shall overcome all challenges that may come our way.

Before I conclude, in the spirit of national days past, I will present awards to those who have served our nation and people well.

I end with a prayer for our nation. That the sun of peace and prosperity may always shine on Bhutan – a nation blessed by the teachings of Lord Buddha – a Shangrila blessed by the great Guru Rimpoche and founded by our revered and beloved parent Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal – a country born from the labour of Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan.