27 October, 2009 - The chief election commissioner (CEC) of India, Navin B Chawla, is in the country on a five-day visit.
On the invitation of the CEC of Bhutan, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, Mr Chawla will deliver a talk on “Political Parties: Lessons from Indian Democracy,” today in Thimphu.
The main focus of the visit is bilateral discussions in the matter of election management, according to the Indian press. During his visit, Mr Chawla will also call on Prime Minister Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley.
The election commissions of India and Bhutan share a close relationship. They have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration that was signed in May 2006. The visit by the CEC of India is expected to further strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the election commissions of the two countries.
