The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) is all set for the poll day of the thromde elections, tomorrow. The commission said they planned for two different circumstances, in case of a lockdown and another in the pandemic situation. Meanwhile, as of today morning, Phuentshogling saw an increase in the voter turnout compared to the 2016 thromde election.
While voters of Thimphu and Gelegphu will cast their votes tomorrow, Phuentshogling voters have already cast their votes through the mobile postal ballot services. The ECB provided mobile postal ballot services to the voters in Phuentshogling considering the current lockdown in the thromde. The officials travelled door to door to collect votes.
Similarly, the commission is said to have made all arrangements for tomorrow in line with the Standard Operating Procedures of the health ministry.
“We were worried about how things would go in the field as we plan on the paper. Therefore we have conducted a simulation exercise on how to handle unexpected things. We have planned and prepared well enough should we encounter any sort of challenge on the poll day. We have also trained the returning officers and national observers in Punakha,” said Dasho Sonam Topgay, the Chief Election Commissioner.
The chief election commissioner also said the voter turnout in Phuentshogling increased by about 20 per cent this year. The figures are as of today morning.
“During the 2016 thromde election, there are 776 registered voters. Of this 487 people turned out to vote. This is over 65 per cent. This year, there are 925 registered voters in Phuentshogling. Of this, we have received about 779 votes this time. This is over 84 per cent. This is a good result,” Dasho added.
The Returning Officer of Phuentshogling, Kuenga said it was difficult to connect with some voters. “Some did not respond. Even when we called, we did not get any reply. However, it is not a major challenge, because the number is very less. We have not been able to contact with about just 20 people.”
There are over 10,500 registered voters in the three thromdes.
Kinley Dem
