The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) swept the 2013 elections and the former ruling government will now form the opposition. Events leading up to the results that were covered by the media, and talked about among people pointed at deeply divided loyalties. Disparate reactions were also expected to the results.
Most voters in Trashigang were shocked with PDP’s win in 32 Constituencies. Trashigang with the second highest number of voters saw a closely contested election between PDP and DPT. They also had not expected the party to win in three of their five constituencies. They did not anticipate the People’s Democratic Party’s overwhelming win; they had instead believed that PDP would be a bigger Opposition Party this time round. There were others, though, who said the government needed to change.
In, Samdrup Jongkhar, if attendance during the Party Presidents’ campaigns in the Primary Round was a sign, it was symbolic of a Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s victory, observers said. After the results, many refused to comment on camera saying there was no need to talk about the results. Off camera, some did share that voters in Samdrup Jongkhar had decided before heading to the polls that it was time to give PDP a chance, as they wanted to see change. There were others who said it did not matter who won or losta s they believe that basic services will anyways be provided by the party who governs.
“It does not matter who wins or loses as this democratic process has been sanctioned by our Monarchs,” said one of the voters.
The reactions were similar in Tsirang and Gelephu.
Reactions in Wangduephodrang and also did not reveal any biases.
“I believe that whosoever forms the ruling government, will govern well,” said another voter.
In Gasa, where PDP won a competitive election in Khamaed Lunana by two votes; voters appear unfazed and believe that the ruling party will serve the country with the utmost dedication.
PDP winning in Haa was not a surprise, but PDP sweeping 32 Constituencies was unexpected even for people from the dzongkhag that will most likely have the next Prime Minister.
