As Bhutan held its Third National Council election yesterday, only five of the 12 incumbent members who re-contested managed to win.
They are Bumthang’s representative Nima, Lhuentse’s Tempa Dorji, Samdrup Jongkhar’s Jigme Wangchuk, Wangdue Phodrang’s Tashi Dorji and Zhemgang’s Pema Dakpa.
Among them, Jigme Wangchuk, who enters the third consecutive term, becomes the longest serving member in the House of Review.
Among the 15 new members elected yesterday are Sangay Dorji of Chhuka, Ugyen Namgay of Haa, Sonam Pelzom of Monggar, Karma Gyeltshen of Trashi Yangtse, Tashi Samdrup of Trongsa, Anand Rai from Sarpang, and Tshewang Rinzin of Thimphu. They defeated incumbent members Pema Tenzin, Tshering Dorji, Sonam Wangchuk, Tashi Phuntsho, Tharchen, Dhan Bdr. Monger, and Nima Gyeltshen.
The other new members are Surja Man Thapa of Dagana, Dorji Khandu of Gasa, Ugyen Tshering of Paro, Choining Dorji of Pemagatshel, Tirtha Man Rai from Samtse, Lhatu of Trashigang, and Dan Kumar Sunwar from Tsirang.
Only two women candidates got elected- Lhaki Dolma from Punakha and Sonam Pelzom from Monggar.