The Opposition Leader proposed to the Prime Minister to forgo the party presidents’ campaign for the upcoming National Assembly bye-election. This, Opposition Leader Dorji Wangdi, said was in view of the COVID-19 situation and the parliament session, which begins this Thursday. The campaign period for the bye-election of Nganglam and Monggar constituencies will start from tomorrow.
The Opposition Leader, who is also the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s President, said when the party presidents visit the constituencies, there will be mass gatherings. Referring to the experiences from the Chhoekhor Tang bye-election last year, he said many would fail to follow the COVID-19 protocols such as wearing a face mask.
“During the president’s campaign, people gather and it looks like we are not adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols. Also, if there is a community transmission, it will pose risk to people’s health. Moreover, in the summer session of the parliament, we have many important matters to discuss,” said Dorji Wangdi, the Opposition Leader.
He added if at all, it should be the DPT’s president going for the campaign since their candidates are new.
“For this bye-election, actually, I should be the one going since I need to introduce my party’s candidates. People are familiar with the DNT’s candidates and there is no need for its president to introduce them. But first, we need to look at the country’s situation,” the Opposition Leader said.
The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa is yet to decide on the Opposition’s proposal. The party office said the Prime Minister will weigh the priorities and consider accordingly.
The National Assembly bye-election for Nganglam and Monggar constituencies is scheduled for 29th June.
Tshering Zam