A group of people in Thimphu are on their way to form the third political party. They say 2013 is not far away.

The group, led by a former bureaucrat, is identifying potential candidates, approaching them and making its agenda clear.

Among those who have been approached include former PDP candidates, retired civil servants, and in-service civil servants.

Many of these candidates the party has approached say they are still mulling over the offer. They want to walk the line rather cautiously. They want to see how the party develops and who would be the key insiders.

The party already had its first meeting at Namgay Heritage, a hotel near Kelki Higher Secondary School.

A curious PDP candidate was among those in the meeting. He said he was approached by the party a month ago. But he hasn’t given the party the final word.

“I am open to joining the party. But I am still contemplating,” he said. “I want to make sure of the party’s objectives, its core team, and key players before I come to a decision.”

The meeting at Namgay Heritage reportedly didn’t result in any concrete minutes. Attendance was dismal. It was an embryonic affair.

Another PDP candidate who was approached by the party said he declined the offer citing his commitments to his party. 

A member of the former Bhutan People’s United Party that was refused registration by the Election Commission said he will join the third party only if the party is led by a strong leadership.

Another PDP candidate has told the third party that he will not commit at the moment. “I burnt my fingers once, and don’t want to repeat the mistake,” he said.

Uncertainty looms large over the new party as well as the candidates it has approached so far. And the people who are taking the lead role in forming the party don’t want to come out in open.

Given the two existing parties - Druk Phuensum Tshogpa and People’s Democratic Party - are putting up a major struggle for survival, observers are questioning if a third party would be sustainable in the present political climate.

Sonam Wangyel Wang (PhD) of the Nature Conversation Division said it will be an advantage to have more parties. He feels finding capable candidates will not be a problem and the new parties will be able to sustain themselves if they don’t go overboard with their field expenses.

“However, a wiser selection of candidates is always better,” he said. “Candidates must have a good rapport with the people in their constituencies.”

Norbu Wangchuk, trainer and consultant of Institute of Management Studies (IMS), also feels that more parties should come forward.

“Democracy is all about multiple parties and multiple views, so we should encourage more participants,” he said, adding the society must look into facilitating the party funding mechanism.

According to Norbu Wangchuk, two factors prevented people from forming new parties: funds and the failure to hold the primaries in the last election.

However, Tandin Dorji (PhD), counselor and trainer of IMS, said having two parties was ideal for Bhutan. He explained that if one looked at the population and economy of Bhutan it would not allow much space for new parties.

He feels finding capable candidates would be a challenge for new parties. Many suitable candidates are already holding important post in the government and corporate sector and they will think twice before giving up their present position for an uncertain game of politics, he said.

According to the Election Commission, any credible parties could be registered at this juncture provided they fulfill the criteria.

Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said Bhutan is a multi-party democracy and more parties the country has the better it is.