Even after two rounds of bye-elections this year, Pangthang chiwog in Pema Gatshel is still without a Tshogpa. The post remains vacant. Without a Tshogpa, a lot of developmental activities have been delayed in the chiwog. Serving as a bridge between the gewog and chiwog, a Tshogpa is important for planning developmental activities.
Pangthang under Chhimung gewog is the only chiwog in Pema Gatshel without a Tshogpa.
There were two candidates contesting for the post during the second round of bye-elections in May this year. However, both of them were disqualified.
One got disqualified because his cooling period after de-registering with a party was not completed during the time of nomination. And the other candidate was disqualified as he was registered with a political party.
Currently, the gewog Mangmi is officiating as the chiwog Tshogpa.
“We must go through a Tshogpa even to get a signature on the documents. And without one, it’s been difficult. If we have a Tshogpa, we can discuss issues and make pleas through him or her who will then take the issue to the gewog. But without a Tshogpa, we haven’t been able to do this,” said Tshering Wangdi, a resident of the chiwog.
“Pangthang chiwog has a lot of developmental activities including the construction of a farm road that needs attention. But in the absence of a Tshogpa, all these activities have been delayed. And as a result, we are getting left behind,” said Phobzang, another resident.
However, with a few aspiring candidates wishing to contest for the post, the gewog has requested ECB to conduct an election. The gewog is expecting to hear from the Commission soon.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
