The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) is prepared to accept whatever mandate the electorate confers it with.

After securing 30.9 percent of the total votes and winning 22 constituencies in the primary round, the final race for DPT is nearing the finishing line.

The past 25 days has been a “roller coaster ride” according to the party president, Pema Gyamtsho. “Hectic but fulfilling,” he said.

“There have been elated moments and point of despair, highs and lows, ups and downs,” he said. But, he said it was a huge learning experience and a rewarding journey because democracy is flourishing in its true essence.

Through his interaction with thousands of people across the country, the president said he has learnt about the hopes and aspirations of the people. “Most of our people, although illiterate, are very well versed with the nuances of democracy. Perhaps, they know even more than what we believe,” he said. “It is a matter of great satisfaction.”

In the following few days to the poll, he said DPT has full faith in the wisdom of the people and that the people will not go wrong in choosing a party that could best fulfill the expectations of His Majesty The King and aspirations of the people with due regard to the long term interest of the nation.

“We also have full trust and confidence in ECB to complete the election process in accordance with the command of His Majesty The King to conduct a free and fair elections,” Pema Gyamtsho said.

In the run-up to the poll, he urged the party leaders, candidates coordinators and supporters to refrain from using money and muscle power.

“We also hope that there would be no undue interference from individuals and institutions in contravention to the electoral laws,” he added.

The social media, he said has played a catalytic role in dividing the nation along party line and regionalism.  This, he said is undesirable and a dangerous trend for a small and close-knit society like Bhutan.

“We could do without the disruptive forces of the social media and annotations from people who pretend to be what they are not in terms of loyalty and patriotism,” he said adding that they are the main sources of distrust and disharmony.

In spite of the best efforts of the ECB to control and deal with all sorts of allegations and abuses bordering personal character of party leaders and candidates, he said there were instances where negative annotation and remarks were made public.

In the following few days, Pema Gyamtsho hopes that party leaders would ensure that no unlawful tactics and strategies are deployed.

“Elections must be fought on merits and demerits of the pledges,” he said.

While expressing gratitude to the campaign team, party coordinators and supporters and his family, the DPT president said he is optimistic that the outcome on the eve of October 18 will be a positive one.

“For now I am relaxed and uphold my faith in Kencho Sum.”

Tshering Dorji  | Nganglam