Five candidates have been nominated from Punakha to contest the upcoming National Council Elections. The Dhamngoi Zomdus in the district ended on Sunday. Meanwhile, the District Election Dispute Settlement Committee is investigating an alleged bribery case after one of the aspiring candidates from Toebisa Gewog filed a complaint against his opponent’s relative. The complainant also accused the man of lobbying votes.
Chencho Wangdi will be representing Chhubu Gewog in the NC elections. The 48-year-old is from Sewla village. As the only aspiring candidate, he secured 423 Yes and 41 No votes.
44-year-old Lhaki Dolma from Bjimithang village, the district’s incumbent NC MP was the lone aspiring candidate from Dzomi Gewog. She got 321 yes votes against 42 no to secure her nomination.
Similarly, 42-year-old Dorji Tenzin from Gangkha village will contest from Shenga Bjemi Gewog. He was also the only aspiring candidate at the Dhamngoi Zomdu. He secured 281 votes yes and 64 no votes.
41-year-old Namgay Dorji of Yoengu village in Talo Gewog has been nominated after securing 282 votes. His opponent 42-year-old Tshewang Rinzin from Talo village secured 163 votes.
And in Toebisa Gewog, the people voted for 54-year-old Dophu Drukpa from Maenchhuna village. He secured 379 votes defeating Dechen Thaiye from Siluna village who secured 317 votes.
Following the Dhamngoi Zomdu, Dechen Thaiye lodged a complaint with the district’s Dispute Settlement Body alleging that the cousin brother of the selected candidate offered bribes of green net to the public two days prior to the Dhamngoi Zomdu. He also alleged that the same individual had persuaded voters on the way to Zomdu. The cousin brother of the nominated candidate has denied the allegation. However, the disqualified candidate stated in the complaint letter that the result of Dhamngoi Zomdu should be nullified. The District Election Office said that the case is being investigated.
Meanwhile, Barp, Goenshari, Guma, Kabisa, Lingmukha and Toewang Gewogs, and the Khuruthang Throm did not have any aspiring candidates. Around 3000 registered voters turned up for the Dhamngoi Zomdu. Punakha has more than 18,700 eligible registered voters.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Kipchu
