Public debates under discussion
January 27, 2008-Thimphu: The two political parties and the Election Commission of Bhutan are currently thrashing out an acceptable format and timing of the debates for the National Assembly elections.
According to various sources from the two parties, the date tabled for the first debate is February 10 where the discussion will focus on party ideology or charter, to be followed about a week later by another round which will center on issues or manifesto.
In both the debates, each representative from the party would be allotted time for opening statements, followed by questions or observations and then wrap-up. The party debates would be held in the capital and will be broadcast by Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (BBSC).
Each party would nominate a representative to speak for the party debates. Party sources say that it is more likely that both the party presidents will be speaking for the party debates which would be moderated by an ECB-appointed moderator.
The candidates’ debates will commence after the first round of the party debates. While the format could be more or less same as the party debates, the venue proposed is the respective constituencies of the candidates.
According to party sources, the main objective of holding such debates is for the people to become aware of the political parties and their policies and about the candidates seeking elections.
A set of guidelines for the conduct of the public debates is expected to be announced shortly by the Election Commission.
Source: Bhutan Times