It's election season in Bhutan, and the country's political landscape is heating up as registered parties vie for a spot in the National Assembly. But with five active parties on the ballot, it can be hard to keep track of who stands for what. Here's a closer look at the major players in Bhutan's political scene:
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is one of the oldest parties in Bhutan, having been formed in 2007 by former Prime Minister Sangay Ngedup. The party is known for its progressive and royalist ideology, and is particularly popular in the west of the country. Despite coming in third in the 2018 primary elections, the PDP has a strong track record, having won 32 seats in the 2013 elections thanks to a comprehensive campaign that focused on improving the economy.
The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) is the other major party in Bhutan, having been formed in 2007 as a merger of two smaller parties. The DPT is known for its conservative and royalist views, and tends to be more popular in the east of the country. In 2008, the DPT won the first-ever general election in Bhutan, securing 45 of the 47 seats in the National Assembly. However, in the 2013 elections, the DPT lost the position of ruling party to the PDP.
The Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) is a newer party, having been formed in 2013. The party is known for its social democratic views and is particularly popular among urban voters. The BKP did not win any seats in the 2013 elections, but is still considered a major player in Bhutan's political scene.
The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) is also a newer party, having been formed in 2013. The party is known for its social democratic views and is particularly popular among urban voters. The DNT won 32 seats in the 2013 elections, making it the current ruling and largest party in the National Assembly.
The Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT) is the newest party, having been formed in 2022. The party's ideology and position is not yet known.
As Bhutan heads to the polls, it's important to keep in mind that political parties can only contest National Assembly elections, as being an independent is a requirement for contesting National Council and local government elections. So, which party will come out on top? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, Bhutan's political scene is more exciting than ever before.
Which Bhutanese political party are you most likely to vote for in the upcoming election?
People’s Democratic Party. PDP
Drunk Phuensum Tshogpa. DPT
Bhutan Kuen-Nyamdrol Party. BKP
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa. ( DNT)
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