An MP (DPT) recently asked me if I thought that democracy in Bhutan was 'successful'. I didn't have a prompt answer. For one, it was democracy he was asking about, not the DPT government's performance. Defining democracy and assessing if it was a failure or a success in Bhutan yet, was too much work for me.
But I have an answer for the DPT government's success.
And the answer is, no. I don't think this government has been very successful in it's two years to make Bhutan a better place to live than it already was. In fact, some distinctly bad policies have come up which might have made it take a few backward steps on 'improvement'.
What helped me make my mind?
The MP salary hike. If that one comes thorugh (I understand the thing is not sealed yet), then it means the final stamp on the party's failure to run a good government.
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I thought we didn't yet have democracy, but were working on it. So, asking if it is successful is too early, I think. As per my understanding, all that we really have is a written constitution and a system empty of democratically inclined people. I think we have a long way to go, if democracy must make a difference to people's lives.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time that our leaders of today are learning to be democratic (hopefully beyond preparation for election), people must be educated well on 'democracy' and empowered to speak their hearts and minds for the benefit of the society. I think if the 'society' is well and sound, the nation's health is taken care. Isn't this what GNH calls for? So, if at all we must measure the success of democracy in our country, it has to be in GNH terms, but first let's all understand well what GNH entails and how democracy can be linked with it. Is there a connection? Of course! In fact, a stronger connection when we think of democracy as "for the people, of the people, by the people" and GNH as a "people-centred" development philosophy or ideology.
ReplyDeleteIt would be more interesting to know what the MPs think. One thing is for sure - they are one incorrigible group who have blatantly ignored the sentiments and the feelings of the constituents time and again.
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