Local elections day announced
Election Commission of Bhutan has announced the date for second phase election to local government. The elections will be held on May 24.
The election will complete the process of electing people’s representatives through adult franchise.
On the day, elections will be held for block councils of the 205 blocks, district city councils for the 16 districts and five vacant positions of the municipal councils.
According to the commission, the local governments and elected leaders will be in place to start the new financial year starting July.
Interested candidates are given timeline to start filing nominations by April 15 for which they need to initiate processing for clearances immediately. Nominations process will continue for 10 days. The candidates will get 26 days for campaigning – until 48 hours before the polls.
Persons interested in filing nominations will have to show proof that their census is being registered in the area they intend to contest.
Most interestingly, the commission through government initiate gathering of the villagers to let the candidates give their speeches and speak about their plans and programs with the people.
Between March 6 and May 25, the members of National Assembly and National Council have been advised not to travel to their constituencies.
A total of 1,101 polling stations will be established for the elections, with 1,080 stations in 1,044 villages, one polling station in every 16 district city councils and five municipality councils.
The formerly known dzongkhag yargay tshogdus, gewog yargay tshogchhungs and municipal and town committees have been announced to have dissolved.
Important dates:
April 15
Start of selection procedure
April 25
Last date for nominations filing of candidates
April 26
Scrutiny of nominations of candidates; Start of the election campaign
April 28
Last date for withdrawal of candidature
May 22
End of election campaign (9am)
May 24
Poll day (9am-5pm) and counting of results
May 25
Declaration of results
Submission of the results to the King
Start of election petition period
June 3
End of election petition period