The Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa or DTT says they will take part in the next parliamentary elections. Despite becoming ineligible for state funding for future elections after not meeting the minimum vote threshold in the recent NA elections, the party remains committed to its decision to contest. The party says it will fund the next campaign from contributions made by its candidates and supporters.
According to Section 20 of the Public Election Fund Act, a party shall be eligible for state funding if it secures at least 10 per cent of the valid votes cast in the previous Primary Round of the National Assembly elections.
During the recently held Primary Round of the Fourth National Assembly Elections, the Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa secured 30,814 votes, constituting 9.83 per cent of the total votes cast across 47 constituencies. The result meant the party would have to source its own fund for the next election campaign.
However, the party stated its determination to participate in the next parliamentary elections, with about 90 per cent of its candidates expressing willingness to re-contest, given their ages ranging from 32 to 57.
“It is quite unfortunate that we were unable to qualify for state funding but our candidates and supporters are of the opinion that it does not make any difference because there are very limited areas of making differences. So, we thought we will continue,” said Chenga Tshering, Vice President of Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa.
Moreover, the party emphasised that its efforts during the recent campaign have successfully garnered the support of voters through a free and fair approach to elections.
“We had our party meeting on the 7th of December, and the party supporters and the candidates decided that we will take part in the next elections. It is the decision of the supporters, I believe so, and we are looking forward to massive support from the people,” said Chenga Tshering, the Vice President.
The Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa registered as a new political party last year.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Kipchu
