July 2: The National Council saw extensive debate on the issue of financial support to the two political parties and the allocation of constituency development grant to the National Assembly members yesterday.

The National Council member from Trashigang Sonam Kuenga said they have learned that the cabinet has approved a financial support of Nu. 15 to 20 million annually for People’s Democratic Party and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. He said they understand that money is to be used to sustain the two parties and help pay their loans and salary to their party workers.

He said they have also learned that the cabinet has discussed the allocation of funds to National Assembly members as constituency development grant. He said the decisions may not be in keeping with the Draft Constitution and the Election Bill.

He said according to Article 16 of the Draft Constitution, the government can provide financial support to the political parties only during the election period.

He said as per the election bill, the political parties will have to sustain themselves on registration fees, membership fees and voluntary contributions.

Making his submissions, he said other members of the National Council also share his views and concerns.

The Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu said the issue has been discussed in the cabinet. He said the financial support to the two parties is necessary to help sustain them. He said since the membership is not very large, it would be difficult for the two parties to sustain themselves financially. This, he said, could affect the success of democracy. He said it was going to be discussed under the election fund bill which is being discussed in the National Assembly and would be discussed in the National Council later.

On the constituency development grant, the Finance Minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu said it would be included in the 10th five year plan which would also be discussed in both houses of the parliament before it is finalized. He said the grant is meant for developmental activities which are not included in the development plans.

He said how and for what the money would be used will be discussed by the people in the constituency and constituency representative. However the money will be used by the dzongkhag and geog administration in keeping with the rules.

The National Council Member Karma Yoesel Reldi said the financial support for the political parties contradicts with the Draft Constitution. He said provision of funds to political parties is not mentioned in the Draft Constitution. He said the Election Commission should decide when it comes to funds to political parties because the cabinet represents a political party.

The National Council members from Lhuentse, Trashigang and Pemagatshel said the financial support for political parties and the constituency development grant do not fall under any section of the financial budget or the appropriation bill.

The Trashigang representative to the National Council Sonam Kinga asked whether these two funds could be removed from the bill since the bill includes public funds only. He suggested that the financial support for political parties and constituency development grant be discussed under a new bill. His views where supported by other members.

The Finance Minister said it will be included in the bill only if it is endorsed by the parliament.