The bye-election of the Khamdang-Ramjar constituency saw a voter turnout of more than 52 per cent. More than 5,200 people out of a total of nearly 10,000 eligible voters cast their votes, of which more than half were through postal ballots.
The people of Khamdang, Ramjar, Toedtsho and Yalang Gewogs under the Khamdang-Ramjar constituency went to the polls yet again.
20 polling stations were set up for the bye-election in the Demkhong by the Election Commission of Bhutan. The commission deployed more than 130 polling officials and security personnel.
“For me, the bye-election is very important because a Member of Parliament has bigger roles and responsibilities to fulfil the vision of His Majesty The King and the people,” said Karchung, a voter from Khamdang Gewog.
“The local leaders address the issues at the gewog level but he cannot raise it in the parliament. Resolving the issues at the gewog level is not enough. We also need someone who can raise it in the parliament as well,” said Dorji Wangmo, another voter.
Except for a few minor problems like voters coming in without their ID cards or not having carried out the voter registration process, there were no major issues on the poll day.
To ensure a smooth election procedure, all offices, institutions, shops and businesses in the Demkhong remained closed from 8:00 AM till 4:00 in the evening as required.
The MP’s seat for the Khamdang-Ramjar constituency became vacant after the former MP Kuenga Loday resigned in November of last year. He was convicted of the illegal construction of a road along with five others by the High Court. The case is currently at the Supreme Court after he appealed.
Sonam Tshering, Trashi Yangtse
