Bhutan extra cautious as it takes first step to democracy

Night curfew imposed, security dragnet at border; series of blasts since December in the run-up to nation8217;s first elections

Four days before the country8217;s first ever national assembly elections, tension is palpable in this town on the Indo-Bhutan border. Night curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure, as the run-up to the polls has been marred by a series of bomb blasts. The last one occurred on March 17 at Pasakha, an industrial town of Bhutan.

Bhutan goes to the polls on March 24, marking a historic transition from monarchy to a democratically-elected government.

The series of blasts started in December, when the national council elections were held in Bhutan. Officials suspect the role of ousted Nepalis, who are now settled in refugee camps in Nepal.

The entry gates to this town are shut at 7 pm. Jeep loads of Bhutan police and military personnel take positions on key roads and entry points. Hundreds of Indian daily labourers scamper across the checkpost so that they were not stranded for the night.

The curfew is a new experience for the people here. At first, they stand in small knots, discussing matters in hushed tones. But the security personnel order them indoors.

8220;Night curfew has been imposed to restrict night movements,8221; says Captain Wangchuk, manning the immigration-cum-police outpost.

There are no election rallies, campaigning is largely restricted to the audio-visual media. The TV channels feature candidates talking about their poll manifestoes and promises. Two parties are in the fray 8212; the People8217;s Democratic Party PDP led by Sangay Ngedup, and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa DPT led by Jigmi Thinley.

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Both the parties are focussing on development as their poll plank 8212; better roads, safe drinking water and electricity. Some women candidates are refreshingly different as they promise an increase in the income level and protection of women8217;s rights and privileges.

The PDP8217;s election symbol is a jumping horse, its motto is to deliver 8220;service with humility8221;. The DPT is using a black neck crane as its symbol and is touting 8220;growth with equity and justice8221;.

As the election date draws near, security personnel are taking no chances. According to reports in Bhutanese newspaper Kuensel, the Royal Bhutan Police has been carrying out combing operations in the forests for the last few months.