October 18: Will the 2008 elections be free and fair was the first topic that started the symposium at the ongoing national graduate orientation program.

His Royal Highness Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck participated in the symposium.

As the graduates debated on whether 2008 parliamentary elections will be free and fair, mixed feelings were voiced.

Some graduates said, given the initiatives taken by the election commission of Bhutan, the media and other relevant agencies the 2008 elections will definitely be free and fair.

However there are also graduates who think otherwise. Graduates said it is important to have a well informed electorate for the elections to be free and fair.

Some pointed out that the election commission of Bhutan should do more to educate people on democratization process.

They also said the media is not doing enough in exposing unlawful practices emerging with the political process gaining momentum.

The PDP representative at the symposium, Sonam Tobgay Dorji said he is confident that 2008 elections will be free and fair adding that political parties will conduct themselves with dignity.

On the unlawful practices reported in the media, the PDP representative Sonam Tobgay Dorji said the allegations are unsubstantiated. He said media should conduct professionally.

The DPT representative, Samdrup Chettri said reports of parties engaging in unlawful practices may not be true. He said keeping in view the importance of educating Bhutanese voters the DPT members have been doing do so during their six week long familiarization visit.

The chief election commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi and two commissioners, Aum Deki Pema and Chogyal Dago Rinzin briefed the graduates on election. They also clarified the doubts raised by the graduates.