This Local Government election is nothing short of unsettling; from disqualifying aspiring candidates at the last minute to conducting Dhamngoi Zomdu three times to sending disqualified candidates knocking on the doors for justice when the campaign is in full swing. And today, the Royal Audit Authority (RAA) reinstated the audit clearance of nine disqualified candidates that were revoked last month.
The ACC had asked the RAA to revoke the audit clearance of 12 candidates stating that they have corruption cases with the ACC, earlier last month. The RAA then revoked their clearances which disqualified the candidates from taking part in the election. Seven disqualified candidates including six former gups and a former Tshogpa appealed to the High Court recently, however, their appeal was dismissed.
And in an unexpected turn of events, the ACC wrote to the RAA earlier today asking to reinstate the audit clearance of nine candidates. Of the nine candidates, eight are gup candidates and one is a Tshogpa candidate. The Gup candidates are of Soe in Thimphu, Dangchhu and Nyisho in Wangdue Phodrang, Chapcha in Chhukha, Lunana in Gasa, Padtsheling in Tsirang, Korphu in Trongsa and Guma in Punakha.The Tshogpa candidate is from Changyuel-Lungsilgang-Tashijong chiwog in Guma Gewog. The letter also states that the issuance of the audit clearance doesn’t mean that cases against the candidates are dropped.
While the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) said they are discussing the issue, the candidates welcomed the decision of the ACC and the RAA in reinstating their audit clearance. They also approached the ECB earlier today, however, they were told to come tomorrow for the ECB’s final decision.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam
