The candidates of all four political parties from Drametse-Ngatshang constituency in Mongar agreed to review  the social media policy and implement it.

They said that social media in Bhutan has been a cesspool of abusive behaviour, vanity, and petty, myopic views.

They cited a Facebook group called Bhutanese News and Forums, which the candidates said is filled with negativity and frivolity.

Candidates said the forum rip people and institutions apart.

The People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Tobgay Tobgay, said when the election is in place, the anonymous people misinform the public and destroy the harmony.

The Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party  (BKP) candidate, Tshering Wangchen, said due to social media, the country benefits in bringing down corruption cases, socio- economic development in communities and helped change the behaviour and mindset of people.

He, however, said that social media affect personal security and supported the need to review and amend the social media policy.

The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) candidate, Jigme Dorji, said that social media sites like Facebook, WeChat and other are operated from outside the country.

He said the policy doesn’t help, as anonymous users defame institutions and people. Jigme Dorji said it is time to talk with those site operators and review the social media policy.

The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) candidate, Ugyen Wangdi, said that when the election is nearing, anonymous users in social media misinform about political parties and create problems between the parties. “The anonymous users are very harmful to the security of our country.”

The candidates also suggested that WeChat be banned for three months in future elections.

The candidates also said social media users have the responsibility to be responsible and that a bigger responsibility falls on people in positions of power.

Tashi Phuntsho | Mongar