Political parties will have to register by July with the Election Commission with requirements prescribed in the Political Party Formation rule which insists on a charter, agendas, office bearers, list of members, and branch offices among others.

“All the fundamental machineries are in place, but there is no notable political activity taking place,” said the chief election commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi. “There may not be a reasonable number of credible political parties participating in the electoral process but parties need to do a lot of ground work and should begin in earnest.”

Urging parties to come forward the ECB on Monday, issued a notification expressing the urgency to commence preparatory works for successful parliamentary elections in 2008.

Most people have heard about one interested party although there are rumors of at least three parties. For some reason people seem to be reluctant to come out in the open even informally.

As an observer pointed out, most politicking could be happening within closed doors. “Parties should be meeting people, familiarizing their agendas, and seeking support,” he said. “It is getting late.”

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said that there could have been a misconception of the registration deadline among the interested people in coming forward.

“People must have misunderstood that they can prepare to form political parties only after July,” he said. “The formal registration is in July, but interested people can start forming political parties now,” he said at a press conference on Monday. “All the political activities between now and July would be considered legitimate.”

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said that it was important to start preparing since party formation entails a lot of work like resource mobilization, registering members, appointment of office bearers, collection of membership fees and voluntary contributions and establishment of offices. “These preparatory works could be started in accordance with the Political Party Rules and Notification issued on this behalf,” he said.

He added that it was time to be on one’s toes and rope in as many capable members in one’s party. “The existence of credible political parties is necessary to ensure that the nation has sound political system. Parties must have the capacity to fulfill their roles as a credible ruling party or an effective opposition,” he said.

Meanwhile, a political party wishing to register with the ECB should have a party name, election symbol, name of the dzongkhag in which the head office would be located, names and addresses of the party president, secretary, treasurer and other office bearers.

The charter of the party should demonstrate that the party is broad-based with cross national membership and support, should not restrict its membership based on region, gender, religion or other statues. The party also should not receive money or assistance from foreign sources whether governmental or non-governmental, private parties or individuals, according to electoral rules and laws.