There are only a few months left for the National Council elections, although the ECB has yet to announce the exact dates. But the upcoming NC elections may not see all of the old faces. Only ten of the current National Council members say they want to re-contest in the upcoming NC Elections.
The NC Chairperson Tashi Dorji is among the ten incumbent members who say they will not be re-contesting in the NC elections.
Although rumours are afloat that he is planning to take part in the NA elections, the NC chair said he has yet to decide on his future plans.
The majority of those deciding to step out of the NC sphere is from the central region. Nima from Bumthang, Ugyen Namgay from Haa, Pema Dakpa from Zhemgang, Tshewang Rinzin from Thimphu and Tashi Samdrup from Trongsa have all decided not to re-contest.
The remaining four are Jigme Wangchuk from Samdrup Jongkhar, Lhatu from Trashigang, Tempa Dorji from Lhuentse, and Dhan Kumar Sunwar from Tsirang.
Meanwhile, ten members say they are planning to recontest the NC elections.
From the West, Sangay Dorji from Chhukha and Ugyen Tshering from Paro have decided to re-contest.
Similarly from the East, Sonam Pelzom from Monggar, Choining Dorji from Pema Gatshel, and Karma Gyeltshen from Trashi Yangtse are all planning to take part in the upcoming elections.
From the central region, Lhaki Dolma from Punakha and Dorji Kandu from Gasa also want to re-contest.
In the South, Anand Rai from Sarpang and Surjaman Thapa from Dagana will also re-contest.
Tirtha Man Rai from Samtse said he also wants to recontest. But since he does not fulfil ECB’s new rule on candidates requiring at least ten years of experience by a few months, he said he has put an appeal letter to the commission.
Meanwhile, the ECB has started its preparations. The commission recently completed conducting the voter’s education and is currently updating the electoral roll and providing dispute settlement training as well.
During a seminar for aspiring NC candidates held by the ECB in October last year, around 100 people attended the session.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
