As curtains fell on the Fourth National Assembly elections, yesterday, it became clear that women’s representation in the Parliament will be the lowest since the inception of democracy in 2008. Of the six women who contested the general elections, only two, one each from the Bhutan Tendrel Party and People’s Democratic Party were elected.
Six women candidates, three each from the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) contested the general elections, yesterday.
Among the two who were elected, BTP’s Dorji Wangmo, representing Kengkhar_Weringla Constituency in Monggar comfortably beat her People’s Democratic Party counterpart Sonam Penjore.
Dorji Wangmo secured 4,504 votes as compared to Sonam Penjore’s 3,298.
Dorji, now the MP-elect for Kengkhar_Weringla won both on postal ballots and EVM votes.
According to Dorji, she wished all six were elected.
Dorji Wangmo said, “The other candidate from Samtse, Dimple, is also a very strong and capable woman. Together I hope we will be able to represent our women well and become their voice both inside the Parliament as well as outside. Be a champion for women and inspire girls to come forward, take part in elections and take leadership roles in future.”
Similarly, Ugyentse Yoeseltse Constituency’s Dimple Thapa was the only women candidate in Samtse.
Representing the PDP, Dimple Thapa, will now be part of the ruling government MP, after convincingly defeating her BTP counterpart by almost 2500 votes.
Dimple Thapa secured 5,284 votes while BTP’s Pushpa Raj Humagai managed 2,796 votes. Like Dorji Wangmo, Dimple Thapa won both EVM and postal ballot votes.
The win according to Dimple Thapa is a huge responsibility.
“This year, only two women. More women should participate in the elections because we have the opportunity to solve women-related issues. I pledge to work hard and fulfil the pledges of the People’s Democratic Party,” said Dimple Thapa.
The two women will now be part of five women contingent in the Parliament. The other three are from the National Council, two of whom are Eminent Members.
This is the lowest number of women representations in the Parliament. The third Parliament saw 12 women MPs. Six in the second Parliament and 10 during the first Parliament, which was instituted in 2008.
Sherub Dorji
