The District Election Dispute Settlement Body of Wangdue Phodrang has imposed a fine of Nu 37,500 each against two candidates of the People’s Democratic Party for violating the Election Code of Conduct. The candidates, Tandin Wangchuk and Kuenga represent the party from Athang-Thedtsho Constituency and Nyishog-Saephu Constituency respectively. The District Election Dispute Settlement Body took up the case as suo moto action following the public debate.
According to the decision issued today, both the candidates have failed to follow the instructions of the Returning Officers and National Observers during the public debate on 23rd and 24th of this month.
The decision states that the candidates have violated section 289 of the Election Act of Bhutan 2008 according to which “the political parties and candidates shall, in order to maintain a healthy electoral system and to ensure that election campaigns are carried out in a lawful, peaceful, and orderly manner for a free and fair election, abide by the Election Code of Conduct.”
The candidates were also found to have violated the Guidelines for the Conduct of the Common Forum for Election Campaign, 2018.
Candidates are asked to pay the fine within seven days from the issuance of the decision and can appeal to the Central Election Dispute Settlement Body within five days if not satisfied with the decision.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Phub Gyem
