Chhoekhor_Tang, a staunch Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) supporting constituency has changed sides this time around. Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa’s (DNT) Dawa is the new National Assembly MP-elect for the constituency as per the preliminary results shared by the Returning Officer this evening. DNT’s blacktopping and specialists recruitment pledges are the game changers according to voters.
Dawa secured 2889 votes winning the seat by 1182 votes. Almost 63 per cent of the voters voted for Dawa. Nine polling stations out of the constituency’s eleven voted in favour of him, while overseas voters favoured Tenzin Norbu.
DNT’s pledges of delivering four specialists as early as January, next year and the blacktopping of farm roads in Tang, Dhur and Chhoekhor Toed wooed the voters.
“Both the candidates are capable but I voted for the one that had a little edge over the other,” said Gyeltshen, from Wangdicholing in Bumthang.
“Voting for the candidate who is likely to help further developmental works in the district would benefit the people,” added Karma Rabsel, from Chamkhar.
Meanwhile, almost 74% eligible voters took part in this bye-election surpassing the past turnout records of Nanong_Shumar and North Thimphu bye-elections.
“I came to vote so that we elect a candidate who would benefit the people,” said Sangay Wangmo, from Chhutoed under Tang.
“Though I am a person with a disability, I made sure I use my franchise as voting is a sacred responsibility of all Bhutanese,” added Mindu Dorji, from Chamkhar.
119 in-country and 10 overseas postal ballots got rejected mainly due to invalid Identity Declaration Certificates and no signatures of competent witnesses. Meanwhile, COVID-19 preventive protocols were the main feature of this election. Almost all voters turned up wearing masks.
“The election was conducted amid the pandemic and we had to wear masks and wash hands which were all put in place for the well being of the people,” said Gyeltshen.
“The protocols for COVID-19 prevention were well in place and we support such initiatives,” added Karma Rabsel.
Without any major discrepancies arising in the election from political parties as well as voters, the lessons and knowledge acquired from it would pave way for next year’s Local Government Elections.
Kipchu
