The election commission of Bhutan has announced the date for National Council election for 23 April and it has been decreed by the king.
The National Council serving as the upper house of bhutanese parliament is an apolitical body having five members as appointee of the king. Rest are elected through electoral ballots that are not based on the political exercise but on the merit of party who fielded them.
It is quite a surpassing phenomenon that most aspiring candidates are too young to contest the election and win a seat in such important constitutional body, ultimately to contribute to the legislative process.
Sarpang has three aspirants, two in thirty and one just twenty-seven. Raghu Pati Suberi should have been In Paro, Sonam Wangchuk is merely 25, right age for pursuing degrees in college. The other contestant, 57, is likely to be the constitutional post holder.
Tshering Wangchen and Sonam Wangchuk from Mongar are young and probably energetic for their age, but can have less energy to spend for the constitutional processes and law-making discourses.
Haa has just two candidates with Tenzin Norbu,28, added to the field having a background of tour guide.
In the east, Samdrupjongkhar is not just the border district but also place for diverse potential and quite known for the educated manpower. Yet development has slowed down and there is poor performance in the key areas with urban-focused development. Sangay Lhendup, 31 from Dewathang might want to reflect the issues plaguing the district.
Tsirang’s Novin Darlami and Sangay Tamang are fit to represent the youth voice but not to take the pride of being a representative to parliament. Yet, their courage to contest against more matured ones, should be applauded.
