2007: a reckoning year
Magnum opus. The year 2007 has been a remarkable year.
On the threshold of change and in the transition to democracy, Bhutan grew by many years in 2007. She consolidated herself in the political arena, strengthened her bi-lateral and multi-lateral relations, saw a new found vigour to strengthen the economy, and equipped herself with conviction for the future. Few hic-cups , if any, lay as experiences for a debutant to learn from.
The year in itself was special as it marked the 100 years of successful reign of the Wangchuck dynasty and the monarchy.
January saw the National Assembly enacting important Acts while February saw one of the biggest national achievements of recent times with the revision of the Indo-Bhutan friendship treaty of 1949. It further strengthened the already strong ties with India.
The national mock elections in May, the last meet of the cabinet members in July, the resignation of seven cabinet ministers all at once, the emergence of political parties, the familiarisation tours, the National Council campaigns and debates all saw history unfurl itself.
The land kidu from the throne to the needy in October, the nationalisation of the sale of sand, and the creation of the Druk Holding and Investment were important initiatives from the throne that will help define our tomorrow.
On the other side, with the political fervor picking up, we also saw party workers resorting to unethical means to woe voters, we saw communities being divided based on party loyalty, and we saw the two parties filing complaints at each other. While it was not the most desired trends, it symbolised the arrival of party politics.
With just three days for the year to end, we are yet to see one of the biggest events of the year. Before we change the calendar, we will mark the last day of the year with a red line.
The National Council elections on 31 December will be the first ever national elections in the country. It will mark the day that the nation has been preparing for a long time. To commemorate the special day, Bhutan Observer will be coming out with a special occasion the next day of the elections, on 1 January. All Bhutanese must look to contribute in their own ways to mark the special day. All Bhutanese can contribute by going to the polls to vote.
Looking back, 2007 reminisced the past, defined the present, and laid foundations for the future.
Source: Bhutan Observer