Democracy in a Small Village

In one of the remotest parts of Eastern Bhutan, in a Small village called Gayul, Mr. Dorji along with her beloved Mrs. Samphelma, their two children and his old father lived happily in a small hut. There are about ten households in Gayul village and this community existed happily and peacefully helping each other. No road access, no electricity and no modern facilities like cell phones, television but few of them had radio through which they were connected to rest of the places. Despite not having the luxury to enjoy all those modern gadgets, people in this small community were happy and for the peace in the country, they were thankful to the far sighted rulers. 

After having completed all their farming works, they were much delighted to reap their harvests. Mr. Dorji was tuning on to his radio whilst looking after his few cattle. He heard of the great events of 2008, the 100 years of monarchy, the coronation of 5th King and the institution of democracy in Bhutan. It was then 2006 and he was much happier that Bhutan has successfully passed 100 years of happiness and new King will be crowned. But was bit confused on what would that "democracy" mean. Then in next few weeks they were called to attend meeting on democracy and were told that their beloved King has come all the way from capital city to guide and enlighten them with democracy and various clauses of the constitution of Bhutan. Much delighted because it was a great opportunity for them to have an audience with their beloved King. They attended and after much deliberation, they could understand that actually their King is gifting them with democracy where no leaders in the world could have done. They were bit saddened as they were already happy under the leadership of the beloved King. With many mixed feelings, Mr Dorji and his wife along with other people got back to their village. They even approached village head that they don't want power and they are happy with monarchy system. "But the King has a farsighted vision and thought that Bhutan has to change with time" this is what some thought and they waited patiently.

2008 came and they were called time and again to attend talks from different people who called themselves "...your representative for next five years and if you vote for me. I will....." and gave all their manifestos. Even people who called themselves as party representatives came door to door and explained them why they have to vote for their party. Different people came with different promises and Gayulpas were very much confused. They were also told that the vote must be confidential and that they are not allowed to share even to their family members. But many people in their small village joined different party and were now divided. Mr. Dorji recalled old days and was bit saddened by the way  people in the village take democracy. People felt, democracy means they can do anything and now they have the right to do anything they like. So when more and more talks went on about election, more and more people got divided. Finally all of them, young (above 18) and old cast their votes and results were declared. Some happy and some were not but the cohesiveness in that small community was destroyed. Mr. Dorji was not happy with that and tried to get all people together and accept democracy in a good way. 

As it was promised, Gayul was connected with roads, got electricity and Gayulpas were very much thankful to democracy that their voices could be reached to the National Assembly and were deliberated thoroughly. 2013 came and people in Gayul were not so worried because they now have the experiences from 2008 and are ready to contribute for nation building by voting for the right party candidate. Not much of division as they have now learned that it is their right to vote for the one whom they think would bring positive changes to their community and country as a whole. They voted and results came and are now waiting for the changes they have promised to bring to this small and happy Gayul village. People in Gayul village are so optimist that their representatives will never let them down and soon they will experience the changes as promised.