National

Maiden Bhutan elections tomorrow

Thimphu: With campaigning for Bhutan’s maiden general elections coming to an end, rival parties are making last-ditch efforts to woo voters. People say their leaders should be competent and have a passion for social changes.

In its electioneering for Monday’s polls, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) concentrated on “walk the talk” and the slogan “service with humility,” while the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) promised that it would ensure growth with equity and justice.

DPT president Jigmi Y. Thinley, party’s prime ministerial candidate, expressed confidence that it would achieve its main aims — citizens would receive equal and just treatment, Bhutan would be able to develop a high standard of political conduct and the government would be compact.

The PDP has promised policies based on an understanding of the people’s needs, salary rise for civil servants and the setting up of an airport in eastern Bhutan.

In north Thimphu, the candidates, Ugyen Tshering of the DPT and Tobgyal Wangchhuk of the PDP said most residents were not registered in the constituency but they still made an effort to visit them. “I wanted to do a more personalised campaign,” said Mr. Tshering, former Labour Minister.

Mr. Wangchhuk, an ENT surgeon, said he was young and energetic, and this was the right time for him to shoulder the responsibility of representing the constituency. — PTI

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu