With the five-year term for the Dzongkhag Thromde Tshgode in two thromdes ending early next month, preparations are underway for thromde elections in Thimphu and Phuentshogling. According to the Election Commission, aspiring thromde representatives will face a tougher competency test to ensure future local leaders are equipped for an increasingly digital and decentralized governance system.
According to the ECB, the Functional Literacy and Possession of Skills test for aspiring Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa has been revised in response to growing responsibilities of local governments and public feedback calling for stronger leadership capacity at the grassroots level.
Govinda Subedi, the director of Department of Election, ECB said, “Unlike the past, this time around in the FLT, we are going to have two components, 50% each for the functional competency assessment, which is in the written component, and we have the other component known as the functional competency engagement, whereby we assess the candidates based on their oral skills.”
Previously, the written assessment carried 60 per cent weightage while the oral component accounted for 40 per cent.
The new FLT framework also introduces two levels of certification. Level 1 certification will apply to Gup and Mangmi candidates, while Level 2 certification will apply to Tshogpa candidates.
Govinda Subedi, the director of Department of Election said, “Now the FLT will apply only to the Tshogpas, as a result of which we are going to have level 2 certification FLT for the Tshogpas, whereas for the position of Thrompon, we have some kind of changes brought in to the 2022 rules, which we already have in place. One of them is the work experience of five years, that is now going to be applied to the position of Thrompon, same as that in the National Assembly elections.”
As of now, 12 aspiring candidates – six male and six female have registered for the test. The registration closes coming Tuesday.
The evaluation process will follow a standardised system, similar to national examinations conducted by the Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment.
Apart from the FLT revisions, the ECB has also reviewed campaign finance regulations for local government elections. Officials said the existing campaign expenditure ceiling of Nu 75,000 for candidates will remain unchanged after reviewing spending patterns from previous elections.
Elections will not be conducted in Gelephu Thromde, where the term ends on May 27, due to its self-administered status under the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority.
Samten Dolkar
