Dechen Dolkar

If political engagement in Bhutan can be measured by party membership, it is certainly a seasonal phenomenon. The numbers tell a striking story.

Despite holding power, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has experienced the steepest decline in membership following the fourth parliamentary elections. Once boasting 6,601 registered members, the PDP now has just only 265 registered as of September 20.

Among the five political parties, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has the least registered members with only 17. Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) has 497 members, Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT) has  838, and Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT)has 1,225 members.

DPT President Dorji Wangdi stated that the party is in the process of renewing its membership, but around 300 members have been unable to register due to issues with the Election Commission of Bhutan’s (ECB) Dramig system, which is currently not functioning.

According to the ECB, these membership figures are subject to change as renewals occur regularly, especially when members complete their one-year term.

As per Section 5.1 of the Political Party Rules of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2015), registered members may withdraw their membership from a political party by notifying the party office in writing.

Following the recent elections, a considerable number of members deregistered from their parties: 6,336 from PDP, 1,832 from DPT, 1,710 from DNT, 2,011 from BTP, and 4,612 from DTT.

This trend of declining membership has persisted since Bhutan’s first democratic elections in 2008, with parties attributing the withdrawals primarily to the one-year cooling-off period for individuals seeking employment or aspiring to contest in Local Government elections.

The official from the ECB also mentioned that many members choose to deregister during the non-election period.

“Some members have indicated their intent to deregister from political parties to participate in the upcoming LG elections,” the official said.

During the 2016 LG elections, many aspiring candidates were unable to contest because their names remained on political party registers.

Additionally, some members cited leaving their parties due to transitioning to jobs where employers require no political affiliations as part of employment conditions.

“Further, the requirement to pay annual party membership fees also impacts members’ decision to maintain their registration,” said the ECB official.

Challenges of sustaining political parties

Meanwhile, political parties outside the parliament are facing challenges in sustaining their operations and maintaining their party secretariats.

All registered political parties are mandated to maintain an office staffed with a general secretary, president, and administrative officer. However, non-parliamentary parties often struggle to sustain these offices, relying heavily on member contributions.

DPT President Dorji Wangdi said that parties outside the parliament struggle to keep their secretariats operational, often relying on voluntary contributions and membership fees. DPT has a general secretary and an administrative officer.

DNT Vice President Dasho Dr Tandi Dorji said that the party sustains itself through voluntary member contributions and also operates with a vice president, general secretary and administrative officer.

DTT President Changa Tshering (PhD) said the party is funded by voluntary contributions from its members and is run by the president and general secretary.

BTP General Secretary Tshering Nidup said that the party is sustained through contributions from the 17 elected members, each contributing 10% of their monthly salary. The party operates with a general secretary and an administrative officer.

PDP General Secretary Kuenga Tashi said that the party continues to function effectively through the dedicated efforts of its members, supporters, and well-wishers. He said that there is no required contribution amount from elected members, and the party is managed by a general secretary and an administrative officer.

Political parties are urging the government for subsidies to help cover office expenses, including rent and staff salaries, as they grapple with the challenges of maintaining their secretariats.