Punakha Dzongkhag will see a total of almost 80 candidates contesting for the posts of Gup and Mangmi on the poll day next month. They were among 115 people who expressed their interests during the Dhamngoi Zomdus or the selection procedures held in the past 2 weeks. The Dhamngoi Zomdus for Punakha ended on Monday.
Among those selected, seven are women, eight are university graduates and about a dozen are former LG leaders.
Ten former gups out of a total of 11 took part in the selection procedure. Seven former gups got the approval of the people, while three got rejected. They are among the 35 candidates who will contest for the Gup’s post.
Meanwhile, 43 candidates will take part in the Mangmi elections.
A total of over 8000 people turned up for the Dhamngoi Zomdus in Punakha.
Kabisa Gewog saw more than 2300 people turn up for the Dhamngoi Zomdus, the highest number among the gewogs in the district. Goenshari had the lowest with over 550. There are more than 18,300 eligible voters in Punakha.
Mobile voting booths will also be set up in the 55 chiwogs for senior citizens and people living with disabilities during the upcoming local government election. There are more than 700 people under this category.
With the Dhamngoi Zomdus over, candidates are now filing in their nominations. The last day to do so is Monday. Scrutiny of documents will be held on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, one aspiring candidate has filed his nomination to contest for the Thromde Ngotshab’s post.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
