Manifesto
SANGAY NGEDUP’S Message
Bhutan stands at a watershed. The Fourth Druk Gyalpo has placed the responsibility of governance in the hands of the people. In 2008, we will have for the first time in history a democratically elected government to take the nation forward.
His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo stated in his last royal kasho: “As I hand over my responsibilities to my son, I repose my full faith and belief in the people of Bhutan to look after the future of our nation, for it is the Bhutanese people who are the true custodians of our tradition and culture and the ultimate guardians of the security, sovereignty and continued well being of our country.”
His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo also stated on the centennial National Day: “Today, in the womb of a strong and peaceful monarchy, we have begun to nurture the hopes of a vibrant democracy. It is this endeavour that we must henceforth uphold as our greatest priority – the success of democracy. For in the success of democracy lies the consolidation of our nation’s achievements and the future happiness and well being of Bhutan.”
The people from all corners of Bhutan told my colleagues and me, “We the Bhutanese must not fail to live up to Their Majesties’ unconditional trust, and such noble expectations of us”.
It is in this united will of the people, where the security of Bhutan rests. Ours is a nation of diverse people in ethnicity, culture, language, religion and outlook. Nevertheless, we consider ourselves first and foremost Bhutanese. Even more, therefore, I treasure this unity in diversity as the wealth of our nation.
The People’s Democratic Party represents that very will of the people. We will not fail.
Our foremost objective is to spare no effort in safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty, peace and security for all time to come.
Throughout history, our nation has been blessed by enlightened leadership in the form of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and more recently our beloved Monarchs especially His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who have selflessly dedicated their lives to ensuring that the people of Bhutan live in a sovereign country where peace and prosperity abound.
The people of Bhutan will recall the events in past decades where our nation’s security was threatened. We will never forget that it was His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo who rose to the occasion and through his visionary and courageous leadership defended our nation.
The people of Bhutan are reassured by the fact that the security of our nation now lies in the hands of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo as the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and Militia. The People’s Democratic Party pays tribute to all the brave men and women of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Body Guards, and the Royal Bhutan Police for their invaluable service to the kingdom. We solemnly pledge to provide our total support to further strengthen our nation’s security capabilities.
We the people of Bhutan have been blessed with Monarchs who have put the nation’s interest above all. We the people of Bhutan are truly grateful, and it is from the glorious past and the legacy of our Monarchs that we in the People’s Democratic Party draw our inspiration to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation, to put nation before self, and to serve the people of Bhutan with total loyalty and dedication.
Our social and economic vision for Bhutan is to enable every Bhutanese citizen a secure life of well being – Gross National Happiness as the everyday reality for all Bhutanese.
GNH is His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s legacy. It is a profound philosophy that takes into account the intangible components of spirituality, culture, the natural environment, and good governance along with material development when determining policy. We are extremely proud of our development policy and will always be inspired and guided by this precious philosophy.
As the first step in that direction, our Manifesto 2008 rests on what we learned is the foremost on the people’s mind: Rapid growth is not welcome, if it means rising inequalities among us; strengthen the nation’s economy so that every Bhutanese can pursue a life of well being.
We heard the message loud and clear. Strong economy is not the end objective, but a powerful means for our well being. This thought, indeed, is at the core of GNH. But the people are warning us that the economic strength can also go against our well being, if left unguided by disciplined policies that take GNH to heart. And, the people told us in no uncertain terms that it is the duty of government to provide opportunity and security for all, in our fast changing economy and society.
Our 2008 Manifesto presents our strategy, priorities and policy considerations that revolve around the people’s agenda we harvested. We have ambitious plans to take the country forward on many fronts.
But, we want to be a government that makes only those promises it can keep, and keeps all promises it makes. Honestly, we do not want to raise false expectations of huge benefits that may or may not happen. Rather, we want to begin by delivering real practical benefits that the people can feel, touch and experience, in their everyday life.
We commit to render to the people of Bhutan a leadership of selfless service, with humility, integrity, and compassion – values that were rekindled in me, and in my party colleagues, by all the hard-working people we met throughout the nation. This is the reason why our party’s motto speaks of Service with Humility and our intent to Walk the Talk.
So, as I prepare for the nation’s first election as the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, my call to the people is a passionate one. Let us unite as one people, and secure a peaceful and proud nation. Let us work together to build a democracy that really works – a democracy that makes our children and grandchildren proud of us. Let us make GNH real as the hard governing discipline, making the life of well being a reality not just for some fortunate few but for all of us. Let us make our cherished values of humility, integrity, and compassion the very governing ideal of our motherland, not just for a few years but for all time to come.
Sangay Ngedup
President
OUR VISION OF BHUTAN
The People’s Democratic Party has a vision of Bhutan. It mirrors what the people envision, collectively, as their dream:
A sovereign, secure and peaceful kingdom whose people are harmoniously united and enjoy well being, thanks to economic prosperity, wealth of cultural and spiritual heritage, blessings of nature, social justice, and vibrant democracy.
The Party embodies every citizen’s aspiration to contribute to this vision, actively and meaningfully, serving the common good and our national interests as we pursue our individual happiness.
OUR MISSION
Profoundly inspired by our beloved monarchs, and motivated to serve the people of Bhutan with passion and professionalism, we pledge our mission as follows:
- Safeguard the sovereignty, peace, security and unity of Bhutan;
- Transform the ideals of Gross National Happiness into every day reality for every Bhutanese;
- Work for political, social, cultural and sustainable economic advancement of all Bhutanese;
- Adhere to the ideals and principles of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, in spirit and in action;
- Build a flourishing, effective and functional democracy;
- Establish exemplary governance, whether in the Government or in the Opposition; and
- Serve with humility, integrity, and compassion to fulfill our stated policy priorities.
PDP Manifesto 2008
- THE HEART OF THE MATTER: An Economic Agenda for Well Being
- GOOD GOVERNANCE: Government People Can Trust
- WOMEN AND YOUTH: Our Future, Now
- EDUCATION: Investing for the Future
- HEALTH: Quality Care for All
- OUR ECONOMY: Growth that Works for Everyone’s Well Being
- CULTURAL HERITAGE: Valuing Culture for Our Well Being
- NATURAL HERITAGE: The Middle Path
- VILLAGES AND TOWNS: Livable Communities for Our Well Being
- FOREIGN POLICY: Securing Our Well Being
- Manifesto Conclusion
Download PDP Manifesto 2008
