MPs asked to raise funds
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| DPT needs to find funds to keep party afloat. |
Political infrastructure is close to defunct for want of finance
28 April, 2009 – With funding sources dwindling and party offices running on empty at their house owner’s mercy, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) leaders recently told their members of parliament (MPs) to raise money for the party. But that is easier said than done.
MPs and ministers already contribute 10 percent of their monthly salary, Nu 3,600 and Nu 7,800 respectively, to the party fund. The rest is from membership fees and contributions of the business community – which, MPs say, have dropped. The average monthly expenditure on their dzongkhag offices alone comes to Nu 30,000 a month.
MPs were urged to visit their constituencies often and interact with people. That way, membership might increase, they were told. But MPs, who followed this advice, say it did not make any difference.
Most of the voters are farmers anyway. Businessmen were not interested to give money either. No matter how much and how often the MPs stressed the importance of party funds for the growth and smooth functioning of democracy, it did not cut any ice either way.
And, although it came as a relief to both parties, the recent announcement by the election commission of Bhutan (ECB) to increase the contribution ceiling from Nu 100,000 to Nu 500,000 has not translated into any equivalent increase from contributors.
The ECB also bars any kind of fund-raising activity, apart from membership fees and contributions. MPs therefore insists only state funding would save them from sinking under.
“Given the experience of the party so far and the need to have a responsible and respectable political system in the country, it’s desirable to have state support, because the existence and functioning of political parties have critical implications on the health of the state,” said education minister, Lyonpo Thakur Singh Powdyal.
State party funding was discussed in parliament last year, but ECB and the National Council said it was unconstitutional and the matter was thus dropped.
Source: Kuenselonline