An outlook towards the General Election and unity of the nation.

DNT and DPT have decided to stick to original Primary candidates. Whilst I laud their principle, few changes may not harm the campaign strategies of both Parties.

A. Regarding DNT

1. In most constituencies,  DNT has done wonders because where they did not win, they came second to PDP.  In several constituencies, PDP candidates came very close to DPT winners. And  ofcourse in  9  constituencies PDP topped though  where DNT was in 2nd position as in Chapcha Bongo, the Party seat is quite secure. Still few from PDP could increase DNT Party chances.      

2. Also DNT might want to reconsider about " 2045 all Party vision of abdication" and the Party's emphasis on anti- establishment vote against an authority holding on to  power for more than 10 years. It is disturbing  though it may have  worked for DNT during Primary. I say this because so far only the King has been in power for more than 10 years. Both DPT and PDP as Opposition Parties had no real power except grumbling in Parliament. However, Closing gap and enhancing health facilities are  themes that  grassroot and mid level voters  associated well with and so paid dividends.    

B. Regarding DPT

1) DPT maybe better off if Aum Lily Wangchuk concentrates upon North Thimphu her own constituency and Dagana region. A quick campaign tour for her and President with the respective  candidates in her root Dzongkhag the Daga region might change DPT prospects there. 

2. Another thought for sake of Haa Dzongkhag. DNT candidate Dasho Ugyen Tenzing is very strong. So no chance for present DPT candidate. Better that Dasho Lam Dorji is invited. Thats my request to DPT brave young Haap. Dasho Lam may not win but if he does, we have a Lyonpo candidate in him, too, like Dasho Ugyen Tenzing of DNT. So whether DNT or DPT becomes the governing Party, Haa Dzongkhag wins in having  Lyonpo Ugyen Tenzin or Lyonpo Lam Dorji. The nation too would benefit from such experienced administrators.

For Haa the Lyonpo chain needs to be preserved for then we have better chance to contribute more effectively in nation building as in the past.  I hope people of Haa are with me in this as they were  with me in voting for PDP with goal to secure PM post for our 1st Son of Haa. I have no regrets about this defeat because we Haaps did not let down PM Tshering Tobgay.  The ultimate choice was always of all Bhutanese voters. We must respect the seat of PM regardless of who comes on that Chair. An elected Bhutanese PM is for all 20 Dzongkhags.

C. Samtse, Tsirang and Sarpang are politically tipsy topsy regions. Primary election was just a hedging vote for self preservation.  The game is wide open in the General Election because the scenery is more clear now. So I feel that  both DPT and DNT must rework their campaign strategies

D. The anti- royal tag against DPT.

I personally find it dangerous for the nation to believe in it. And even worse to promote such a divisive political line. We are subjects of one King and one people of one small nation. And if there are some such anti- royal elements, then we must convert them and not treat such as anti- royal or anti- national force. As good Shepard, we  must bring stray sheep into the flock.

A divided people cannot serve the interest of Druk Yul and the reverred institution of Monarchy.  Both the Throne and unity among subjects are vital for sovereignty and prosperity of a secure Kingdom of Bhutan.

Towards this one nation and one people goal, our Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay was and even more so now  in a unique position to be an effective  cementing factor to heal the nation of any scar or wound. He did not make much effort in the past. A loyalist or authentic royalist must aim to promote the unity of the Kingdom. His Excellency need to now  play a constructive role in building the bridge and removing any misunderstanding and correcting any mistakes.  So far there are more divisive voice than cohesion. I hope this can be ended. And Dasho Lam Dorji can also be a very good influence if he joins DPT.

Bhutanese democracy must not be about which region is stronger or more loyal. It has to be which Party and leaders can best serve the nation with the King. Bhutan is too small and our population too few to be divided in camps of loyal and disloyal subjects. One King, One Nation and One People has been and must be the guiding spirit and inspiration of Drul Yul the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Lastly, I thank Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay for the service to the nation and for representing Haa at the highest level of governance. I look forward to continuous service to Tsawa Sum from His Excellecy and the PDP Party. Seasons change and so does fortune. There are brighter terms to come by in the years ahead.