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Bhutan is making the transition towards democracy from absolute monarchy by the general election of 2008. However, the most important element of any election is active politics. Well, this is the thing missing in Bhutan now. Now, Bhutanese election commission is trying to encourage people register their political parties.

Kuenselonline.com reported:

With just over 90 days for the registration of political parties, the Election Commission of Bhutan has expressed concerns of not seeing any “serious political activity”.

Political parties will have to register by July with the Election Commission with requirements prescribed in the Political Party Formation rule which insists on a charter, agendas, office bearers, list of members, and branch offices among others.

“All the fundamental machineries are in place, but there is no notable political activity taking place,” said the chief election commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi. “There may not be a reasonable number of credible political parties participating in the electoral process but parties need to do a lot of ground work and should begin in earnest.”

Urging parties to come forward the ECB on Monday, issued a notification expressing the urgency to commence preparatory works for successful parliamentary elections in 2008.

I am happy with the fact that Bhutanese journey towards democracy has remained very peaceful until now. Just think of the transition towards democracy in neighboring Nepal. We have seen a lot of bloodshed in Nepal. We sure do not want to see the same in Bhutan.