The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has formally lodged a complaint with the office of the Media Arbitrator against Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) for circulating campaign videos concerning the bye-election of Monggar and Nganglam constituencies, yesterday. According to sources, DPT is accusing DNT of breaching Section 18.1.3 of the Election Advertising Regulation of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2018* and Section 11.32 of the Political Party Rules of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2015**.
The campaign videos were uploaded on the social media platforms on June 1. The Media Arbitrator has then asked the DNT party to remove the videos on Wednesday.
The office of the media arbitrator is reviewing the complaint.
*18.1.3: No person shall, subject to the provisions of these Regulations, during the campaign period of an election display or cause to display any election advertising by publishing it in any newspaper, magazine periodical or Social Media, unless the person is authorized to do so by and does so in accordance with the written directions of the Returning Officer.
**11.32: A Political Party, Candidates and supporters shall not resort to using regionalism, ethnicity, religion and religious personalities to incite voters for political gains.
Tshering Zam
