It
was lengthy by any standard but not much of a standard in content to compare to
any other forum excluding NC candidates’ debate.
One
could summarize that Chirwang was for younger leadership, Nyamrup for equity
from inequity, Druk Phuensum for continuation and better days and People’s
Democratic for a complete change. The ideologies are prerogatives of each
individual political party and anyway their charter and manifesto are already approved
by the Election Commission. So there is no comment.
However,
just to excite my viewers on the blog, here are my views on some issues raised
during the Presidents Meet.
1.
Leadership
young or old
Democracy
grants voters the choice of leadership. Therefore change in leadership cannot
be granted or dictated by any Political Party or group of individuals. All can
make their case to the people so that Bhutanese voters can make their choice of
leadership.
2.
People
must be alert lest power falls in the hands of one or two individuals
This
concern was voiced quite frequently by most of the party presidents. That was
revealing. When challenged by the former Prime Minister, PDP President said he
was expressing future concern. Is there a concern among Bhutanese that the country
may be heading towards dictatorship or revert to King’s rule due to political
disarray?
3.
Rupee
crisis and loans
Rupee
crisis and loans will remain part of financial complexities for Bhutan no
matter which Party comes to power. Progress and development need fund and our
internal resources are limited. Even after 2020, it will not be possible to be
free of loan or rupee crisis unless our external relationship dynamo changes
and we receive major aid packages. Most Nations in the world are undergoing
such monetary crisis even in developed European countries.
In my view
if any Political Party assures continuous prosperity and at the same time fulfillment
of people’s aspirations without loans and without rupee crisis, then there is
one looming danger, the fate of Kingdom of Sikkim. No loans, no rupee crisis
and no sovereignty but continuous development to meet social and economic needs
of the people. India upholds all responsibilities for the state of Sikkim.
4.
Road
and foreign relations
The
former Prime Minister did not specifically make reference to these two
subjects. In fact rural road condition issue was raised by PDP President.
However, the President of DPT did state that the performance report of 1st
Democratic Government was submitted to the nation in the last session of
the Parliament. In that report it was highlighted that new motor roads exceeded
all that were constructed prior to 2008. And diplomatic relation expanded greatly.
Statistic figures were provided to illustrate the leaps and bounds.
I
felt that comparison of pre and post 2008 developments in road and diplomatic
relationship need to be delicately handled and especially accurately and
realistically recorded. Many view such declaration as unfair criticism of past
government under the 3rd and 4th Kings.
The
fact is that any and all diplomatic efforts of the 1st Democratic
Government pales in comparison to membership to Colombo Plan, United Nations,
Non-Aligned, SAARC, many international organizations and opening of
international agency offices within Bhutan. During the reigns of the 3rd
and 4th King, diplomatic relationship was purposefully restricted to
the most indispensible and beneficial to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The
fair weather road connections to almost all geogs of the Kingdom is admirable
and even if some of these roads are not pliable during snow and rain yet I am
sure unlike the sneering urbanites, the farmers in rural Bhutan are very
grateful. The farmers would rather have a fair weather road than no road at
all.
Due
to budget, time and human resource constraints, such farm roads had to be of
fair weather condition. However, it will be easier for the next government to
improve upon what have been laid already. Likewise during the government lead
by the Kings, other priorities and pressing urgencies had to be met from
limited financial and human resources. And because so many essential social and
economic needs were fulfilled prior to 2008, these very achievements enabled
the 1st Democratic Government to fulfill majority of their
commitments.
5.
Relationship with India is non-negotiable was
one of the declared political stand
Indo-Bhutan
relation has always been and probably will ever be always the corner stone of
Bhutan’s foreign policy. Bhutan cannot forsake India under any circumstance and
India should realize the futuristic wisdom of allowing Bhutan necessary
sovereignty in its foreign relation especially with China.
However
in so far as relationship is concerned be it personal, national, international
(bilateral or multi lateral) are negotiable. There is no such thing as status
quo (stagnation) or non-negotiable. Relationships have to mature, improve,
change for better and be in tune with the changing time, maturity and
aspirations of individuals, groups and nations etc.
Sino-Bhutan
Relationship was not directly mentioned but indirectly the declared political
stand “Indo-Bhutan relation is non-negotiable” maybe alluding to anonymous
sources’ criticism of Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley meeting with Chinese Premier.
I have
always respected India and will always remain grateful to Prime Minister Nehru
for making the arduous journey to give birth to Indo-Bhutan friendship.
However, I am in favour of better relation with China. My feelings on
Sino-Bhutan relation was made public long before the advent of Bhutanese
Democracy.
Sino-Bhutan relation has always been a
concern to Bhutan since ages and more so from the time Tibet became an
autonomous region of China. We have held many sessions of border talks in the
most cordial atmosphere and officials of both countries have exchanged visits.
In the Sino-Bhutan Border Agreement, we have committed to promote friendly
relations between the two countries
No nation in the world is ignoring China.
Our next door ASEAN neighbour Myanmar has finally broken the trade and diplomatic
embargo imposed by the West only because China did not fail Myanmar. The public
pretext of European and American overtures to Myanmar is participation of Aung
San Suu kyi in politics but actually the same military government holds sway
even today. One could close the eyes and wish away reality. But even those
blind in-sights cannot refrain from sensing the dominating presence of the
world’s most populace, resource rich and influential China. Therefore, I hope that
whichever Party comes to power in the next session, Bhutan will have
progressive relationship with China. By this it does not necessarily mean that
DPT has to return. After all, the 1st Democratic Government has been
unable to push through the exchange of establishment of Embassies between
Bhutan and Japan. Japan was ready yesterday but Bhutan hesitates even though we
have diplomatic relation and Japan has been much economic help for decades. I
personally think that Mao Khola Bridge and possibly other major funding from
Japan await the exchange of Embassies of the two countries.
Wishing everybody everyday politicking in
this season of Primary and General Elections. Good luck and great speculations!
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