Bhutan

Seminar on Parliament and Media in a Democracy

Address by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UNDP Resident Representative a.i.

at the Seminar on Parliament and Media in a Democracy

Thimphu, Bhutan

Honorable Lyonpo Jigme Tshultim, Speaker of the National Assembly,

Dashos, ladies and gentlemen:

I would like to thank the National Assembly and the Department of Information and Media (DOIM) for giving me this opportunity to address such an important seminar which will focus on promoting a strong professional relationship between the Parliament and the media – both of which are essential actors in a democracy.

Access to information is a key empowerment tool that is central to effective interventions in the areas of democratic governance and poverty reduction – and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. It is vital for strengthening accountability, transparency, participation and rule of law. This means that the promotion and protection of both access to information itself and flows of information that exist between the government, parliament, media, community groups and the private sector are of equal importance.

UNDP is pleased to be a partner to the Royal Government of Bhutan as it continues along the road to democracy. We have together worked on various fronts – from supporting the elections and institutional development of constitutional authorities, to building the capacity of journalists and media spokespersons. The objective is to enable people to make informed decisions that will eventually lead to an efficient delivery of services. Our most recent collaboration is in the Media Impact Study which will help distill important policy issues for the media.

This seminar on strengthening communication between parliamentarians and the media could not have come at a more appropriate time. The two sessions of elected Parliament have shown us that democracy is fast taking roots in the Bhutanese context. We have witnessed intense debates on the parliament floor and thought-provoking coverage in the papers and on TV screens. Beyond any doubt, the past 12 months have been a fascinating experience for those involved and observing. This is democracy in action, but intense debate with stimulating media coverage is not an end in itself. These two actors of democracy will increasingly stand the test of people with their individual perceptions and information needs, all demanding more accountability and more efficiency. How do we satisfy this demand? What strategies do we employ to source public’s views on important decisions affecting people’s interests? How do we communicate the results of lawmakers’ work? These are some of the questions this seminar might help tackle. As I look around this room, it is heartening to see that all main actors are in attendance.

The Constitution of Bhutan guarantees citizens the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and grants freedom of the press, radio, television and other forms of information dissemination. At another event this morning, the Honorable Prime Minister said that “the absence of free and vibrant media means the absence of democracy”. Creating a strong professional relationship between what Lyonchhen referred to as “youthful” legislature and the media is critical to the functioning of democracy in Bhutan. It will probably not be an idyllic and blissful association at all times, and neither should it be. It is however important that it serves the main purpose of informing the decision-makers of the people’s needs and aspirations, and providing a vital accountability link to the public at large. This often talked about notion of accountability is a shared responsibility of all actors in a political process. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword. It is especially true in a democratic context which demands responsible journalism.

Honorable Tshogpen, distinguished guests:

Recognizing that the Parliament and the media have an important role in building an informed society, some steps have already been taken in Bhutan. For instance, there is now a parliamentary information unit to interact with the media in addition to a separate press corps gallery set up for when the Parliament is in session. It is opportune to build upon these existing mechanisms to cultivate an effective relationship between these two pillars of democracy in their complementary roles.

To conclude, I want to reiterate UNDP’s continued support for Bhutan’s good governance goals as they are intricately linked to people’s perception of a just and happy society reflected through the GNH approach.

Once again, I am very happy to be associated with this important seminar, and would like to wish its organizers, speakers and participants very fruitful deliberations.

Tashi Delek!