Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Local Government – Critical to Democratic Governance
Autumn 2022 | Volume 8, Issue 2
Table of Contents
Preface
Local Government – Critical to Democratic Governance
Democracy and Local Government in Bhutan
Rabilal Dhakal
The Local Government Election: An Examination of the legality of Electoral Process
Thinley Choden
Who Should Bow to Whom? Power and Politics between the Dzongda and the Thrizin
Dorji Penjore
Local Government- Critical to Democratic Governance
Kinchho Tshering
Number Matters: More than a Technical Exercise
Tashi Pem
Training Local Government Functionaries
Kuenga Yangki
Community Engagement Platform to Encourage Participation in Government and Community
Mariko Tanaka
Urban Local Governance
Yangchen Lhamu
Empowering Local Government through Participatory Planning
Krishna Subba and Wangda Dorji
Implementer and Facilitator: A blended role of Local Government
Lekey Wangdi
Making Local Institutions work for people and Nation
Hendrick Visser
Social Media facilitates Local Government
Tashi Dema
The Experience of a Gewog Administration Officer
Damcho
Local Government and Development: How Can We Narrow the Gap
Shin Suto
Thoughts on the Bhutanese Local Governance System
Katsu Masaki