Chief election commissioner hands over certificate of registration to DPT

3 October, 2007 - The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) was approved as a political party yesterday, October 2, after the party received a certificate of registration from the Election Commission of Bhutan.

DPT, formed by a group of 202 registered voters and led by party president, former home minister, Jigmi Y Thinley, had fulfilled all requirements, according to election commission officials. “The Phuensum Tshogpa, hereafter, will enjoy all the rights, status and privileges of a political party,” said the chief election commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi.

The party had submitted the application for registration on August 15.

The officiating president of the DPT, former trade and industry minister Yeshey Zimba said that, with the registration of the party, they are confident in carrying out party activities.

“There were concerns that activities we do or have done might not be acceptable, but after receiving the certificate, we have this level of confidence that we are not doing anything wrong,” he said. “But there will be no change in our strategies. We will do what we have been doing, for instance, going around educating the voters on the essence of democracy and voting.”

DPT will change its party logo from three Thrung-Thrung Karms (black necked cranes) against the backdrop of blue sky to three Thrung-Thrung Karms with a clear background.

The chief election commissioner said that the party has to deposit, with the public election fund division of the election commission, all fees or voluntary contributions made to the party by ineligible individuals including religious personalities or public officials latest by October 17.

Also, the party has to establish all dzongkhag offices by the end of October and revise their membership registration form, according to the ECB.

Coinciding with the party registration, DPT also formally inaugurated their head office in Thimphu and appointed the former principal of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, Thinley Gyamtsho, as the party secretary. Thinley Gyamtsho formally joined DPT on October 1.

Meanwhile, party workers, candidates and well-wishers gathered at their head office yesterday to celebrate the registration as well as the appointment of the secretary.

The party charter, the election symbol, statement of accounts and the list of registered members of the DPT will be made available on the ECB website (www.election-bhutan.org.bt) or at the party head office of the party for public information.