Women continue to make up a strong share of candidates in this year’s Thromde elections. In the upcoming Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde elections, women account for nearly 40 per cent of all candidates contesting for Tshogpa and Thrompon posts in Thimphu and Phuentshogling Thromdes. While this reflects a steady female participation in local politics, representation in leadership positions remains limited.
Of the 14 candidates contesting the post of Thromde Tshogpa in Thimphu and Phuentshogling Thromdes, six are women, and eight are men.
However, the trend is less visible in leadership positions. Of the four candidates contesting for Thrompon, only one is a woman. She is contesting in Thimphu Thromde.
In the 2021 Thromde Tshodge Elections, nine female candidates took part. At that time, Gelephu Thromde was also included in the polls. However, in the current elections, Gelephu Thromde is no longer part of the elections as its administration has been handed over to the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Women’s participation in politics has steadily increased over the years. In the last local government elections, 491 women contested various posts, and 183 were elected.
Bhutan continues to rank low in global indicators of women’s political representation. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Women in Politics 2026 ranking, Bhutan ranked 176th out of 182 countries.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Fourth Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde elections are progressing as scheduled.
According to the Election Commission, more than 10,000 voters are registered in the two Thromdes. Thimphu accounts for over 9,000 voters, while the remaining are in Phuentshogling.
The Poll Day for the Thromde Tshogde Elections is scheduled for 15th July.
Anita Chhetri
Edited by Sonam Pem
