NC elections in April 2013

The National Council elections of the 2^nd Parliament will be held on 23^rd April.

This was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner at a press conference, this morning.

Announcing the poll day, the Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, shared it was in obedience to the Royal Decree received on 9^th March calling elections to the National Council.  And in pursuance of the Election Act, the National Council Elections will be held on 23^rd April. He said this is so that the house can re-constitute on the date of the expiry of the term, as per the Constitution. The first National Council term expires on 28^th April, this year.

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said the National Council members wishing to contact the Election Commission are expected to resign from the house, in time, and necessary arrangements will be made.

The zomdue processes in each gewog, dzongkhag, and thromde to select their nominees will begin from 12^th March onward.

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi also announced the schedule of the National Council elections including the nomination of candidates, electoral rolls, and polling management.

Candidates have to submit nomination papers on or before 31^st March. The campaign period is from 1^st April to 21^st April.

The Election Commission of Bhutan also released the draft Electoral roll for the National Council Elections.  The ECB says this is for public inspection. The specific voter information programme for the 2^nd Parliamentary elections was released as well.

More than 380,000 people are expected to vote in the National Council elections.