In response to the Chief Election Commissioner’s letter to revoke the constituency development grant (CDG), Prime Minister had replied that the revocation would be considered only after two years of his government.

This leaves the government with only two months to make the decision. Since it was not in conformity with the provisions of the constitution and would compromise the conduct of free and fair elections, the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, had on December 11 last year written to Lyonchen that the decision needed to be revoked.

“We have received a reply from the PM that they would consider revoking this decision only after two years and that they would propose this decision to the local government,” said Dasho Kunzang, adding that ECB has to see that no incumbent government abuses the present privileges to further their future electoral gains.

Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim said CDG will be stopped provided that majority of the Gewog Tshogde (GT) submits that it was not useful. After the completion of two years term, which is in March this year, the Speaker said they will send announcements to the GTs for their views.

“If majority of them decide against it, we will be happy to stop it,” he said.

Gangzur-Minjay MP, Karma Rangdol, said the CDG was nothing but a small amount vital to keep themselves connected with the people as the local government has the total authority at the local level.

The Deputy Speaker, Yanku Tshering Sherpa, said most people in his constituency were happy with the CGD and wanted the government to continue with it. “CGD fulfills the needs of the people which are not reflected in the plans,” he said.

As of January 6 this year, the Department of Public Accounts has released Nu 14.730 million against CDG for various activities proposed by the gewogs.

All NA MPs are eligible for Nu 2 million annually as CDG.

The National Assembly approved CDG last year but the National Council has not endorsed it yet. The Opposition Leader also had called CDG illegal and unconstitutional.

It was the duty of the ECB to see how the parties conducted themselves both during the election and non-election period, said Dasho Kunzang , adding that it was also responsible to implement the public election fund act.

“The election campaigning is state financed, and therefore, parties’ financial management has to be administered and monitored by us,” he said.

The ECB will soon have discussions with the parties as to how their finances are being managed. Now that there is the Supreme Court, Dasho Kunzang said it would be the Supreme Court’s duty to look into it.

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Zakar for Wednesday March 10 2010

25th Day of the 01st Month - Iron Male Tiger Year Year

Auspicious for: Conducting jin-seg, sri-nen and lue-cho.

Inauspicious for: Construction of new ten-sung, conducting consecration and blessing ceremonies, arranging marriage, conducting tor-zor, starting construction of houses, shifting houses, holding discussions, handing and taking over anything, starting business, organizing and celebrating events, entering new houses.

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