New Bhutan Govt to assume power within a month

The new democratic government in Bhutan led by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa party, which has promised to...

The new democratic government in Bhutan led by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa party, which has promised to pursue ‘exemplary and mutually beneficial’ ties with India, is likely to be in place within a month, party leaders said here on Tuesday.

“We are in the process of finalising our team which will be endorsed by the executive committee of the party,” fo mer prime minister Yeshey Zimba said, a day after the Himalayan kingdom became the world’s youngest democracy.

The Government will consolidate on the policies adopted by the kings over the years, Zimba said adding, “we don’t need a change in our policy because that is the best policy and we want to continue it.”

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Headed by former prime minister Jigme Thinley, the new Government will have 10 ministers, he said.

The party, which won 44 out of 47 seats in Monday’s polls, thrashing the People’s Democratic Party, had vowed in its election manifesto to “carry forward the exemplary and mutually beneficial cooperation that is the hallmark of relations between India and Bhutan and deepen economic ties.”

Former foreign secretary Ugyen Tshering attributed the party’s huge victory to the ‘well-planed approach to the elections.

The party will attach highest importance to bilateral and multilateral relations and play an active role in promoting regional and international understanding and cooperation, Tshering added.

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Meanwhile, DPT spokesman Palden Tshering said there will be female representation in the council of ministers. Four women candidates from the party have won seats.

Chief Election Commissioner Kunzang Wangdi expressed satisfaction that the country’s polls ended with “surgical precision”.

“We are pleased to say that the elections were smooth, safe and incident-free,” Wangdi said.

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