Bhutan: into the future

With the completion of National Council elections, held on two different dates due to lack of candidates in some Dzongkhags, the Kingdom of Bhutan seems fully geared for the upcoming first ever general elections to be held towards the end of March, 2008. It appeared however that the National Council election was not taken too seriously both by the people and the media. A few scratches of articles here and there, reported almost unwillingly, it was over as soon as we knew it started.

In the meanwhile, Gasa Dzong survived fire (Kuenselonline) while four houses were burnt down to rubbles (Kuenselonline); four bombs exploded and a boy was found toying with hand grenades.

Elections: one down, one more to go, reads a Bhutan Observer headline. The election that was already down was dubbed huge success (with glitches) by the Chief Election Commissioner. How would the other one go?

A stark contrast in their choice of political candidates and agenda, the twin political parties of Bhutan shouted out their promises to the people even before the Election Commission of Bhutan was supposed to have dictated their campaign dates. In the course of their so called familiarisation tour of constituencies, some of the candidates pointed fingers at each other, accusing each other of corruption charges and other such allegations much to the dismay of the public.

Majority of candidates with PDP are business entrepreneurs while resigned civil servants and academicians flocked the DPT. PDP takes their talk for a walk, the DPT tries to instill a sense of utopian idealism into the minds of the people.

What kind of government do we need? What kind of Bhutan would they create once they assume their responsibilities? Would Bhutan join forces with the rest of world in embracing material oriented society or would Bhutan aspire to create a society of idealism and uniqueness true to its founding fathers?

Tobacco ban and its aftermath

The case of tobacco ban in Bhutan has rather turned out to be a joke. Sale of tobacco products has been banned without actually restricting the indulgement. Tobacco can still be consumed in most social gatherings like pubs, bars, discotheques, and even in some of the restaurants.

Where do people buy them?

That is not a serious question. The result of tobacco ban has opened up whole new avenue for the establishment of black market where tobacco products are sold at higher price. Yet, people are willing to pay and the shops willing to sell as long as they are mutually available.

The Royal Government of Bhutan has taken every possible measure to curb the problem. A headline at Bhutan Broadcasting Service website reads,

Tobacco products worth Nu. 60,000 seized

February 2: In Thimphu, officials from the Department of Trade and other agencies including the Royal Bhutan Police seized tobacco products worth Nu. 60, 000 from a shop in the old vegetable market area yesterday.

The raid was conducted by the sub-committee for tobacco control. Officials said that the raid was conducted in areas in the capital city after a tip off.

The Director of Trade, Dophu Tsering said that the shop raided yesterday supplies tobacco products to other shops in and around the capital.

The Department of Trade has cancelled 34 Micro Trade license since sale of tobacco was banned in 2004. 11 were canceled in Thimphu alone this January.