Democracy: A Bhutan Democracy Dialogue (BDD) delegation was in Manila, the Philippines to participate in a seminar on leadership and management in good governance.

The seminar covered topics such as basic and advanced leadership skills, leadership models, public speaking and managing change, parliamentary procedures, roles of political parties in good governance, policy development, introduction to the political landscape in the Philippines, among others.

The delegation was also extended the privilege to witness the first ever live debate of the vice-presidential candidates. The delegation also called upon the chairperson of the Commission on Election and got insights into the electoral system of the Philippines. The programme concluded with a visit to the Representative House of Philippines’ parliament. The programme was arranged and coordinated by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB).

The BDD was founded under a charter agreed and signed by all five political parties and the ECB. The intention of BDD is to create better cohesion among the political parties in crafting a vibrant democracy.

BDD functions under the guidance of a steering committee comprising of two representatives from each political party and the ECB.

The committee is headed by a chairperson. General Secretary of Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP), Karma Jimba, is the current chairperson. The member secretary to the BDD is appointed by the ECB. BDD is funded by the government and the Danish Institute of Parties and Democracy (DIPD).

 Staff reporter

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