The three-day Special Early Voting for the Fourth National Assembly Elections for persons with disabilities began today. According to the Election Commission of Bhutan, ECB, the arrangement, which is initiated across the country, will ensure that individuals living with disabilities exercise their voting rights.
In North Thimphu, polling officers along with police personnel on duty started their day at 9 in the morning.
The team visited the homes of the registered individuals to collect their ballots.
With more than 100 registered voters in Thimphu, polling officials say they might be able to complete the voting in two days.
“Voting is the right of every Bhutanese and this time around, with ECB’s initiative, we are able to cast our votes for the Fourth National Assembly Elections. We are happy about it,” said Jigme Namgay, a voter.
“I am very thankful for the individuals who came all the way here so that I can cast my vote. I used to walk to the polling station to cast my vote, but now that I cannot walk, I am happy that I get to vote even now,” said Draba, another voter.
In Paro, 39 eligible voters who are students of the Wangsel Institute for Deaf also took the opportunity to exercise their franchises through the service. In total, 57 individuals who are mostly disabled and elderly citizens cast their votes today.
Similarly, in Trashigang, there are 140 registered individuals for the Special Early Voting who are mostly the students of Draktsho East. In Pema Gatshel, there are 84 people with disabilities registered for the service. In total, over two thousand eligible individuals have registered for the service across the country.
According to the ECB, the special early voting service will ensure inclusive voting.
The Special Early Voting is being provided to persons with disabilities suffering from chronic diseases, bedridden individuals, and those who are unable to physically reach the polling stations.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Kipchu
