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.
Politics and Elections in Bhutan
Autumn 2023 | Volume 9, Issue 2
Table of Contents
Political Parties
Tendrel for a Prosperous Bhutan, Bhutan Tendrel Party
DNT’s Manifesto of People’s Aspirations: The Nation First, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa
Sunomics: Buddhist Capitalism with the Spirit of GNH, Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa
Empowering Bhutan’s Future: PDP’s Vision for a Better Drukyul, People’s Democratic Party
Comments
Transforming Uncertainty into Hope
Tashi Dorji
Political Awareness Grows Among Bhutanese
Choki Wangmo
Include the Diaspora to Unite the Populace
Tashi Dema
Experiences
Women and Politics in Bhutan
Karma Loday
Gender Balance in Leadership – A Woman’s Experience
Lhaki Dolma
How Bhutanese Schools Nurture Political Engagement
Namgyel Wangchuk
A Comparative Analysis of Democratic Consolidation in Bhutan and Timor-Leste
Rabilal Dhakal and Saurav Chaliha
Oversight Agencies
Empowering Bhutanese Democracy: A Journey of Growth and Evolution
Election Commission of Bhutan
Perception of Corruption in the Bhutanese Electoral System
Anti-Corruption Commission
Arbitrating Media Issues During Elections
Office of the Media Arbitrator (BICMA)