The ruling factor once again influenced the voters in the recent bye-election in the Khamdang-Ramjar constituency in Trashi Yangtse. The ruling party’s candidate won the election by more than 1,000 votes. Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa’s candidate Karma Gyeltshen is the MP-elect.
People know it is an important election. So, they came in droves to choose their representative for the highest decision-making body in the country.
The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa won the election in the constituency in 2008 and 2018 elections while the People’s Democratic Party won the seat in 2013.
“People thought that the candidate of ruling party would benefit them. The people are also well aware about the election procedures now,” said Neten, a resident of Khamdang Gewog.
“We are now hopeful that the MP-elect would address the drinking water problem in our village,” said Ugyen Wangdi, another resident.
“The MP-elect has good experience and it’s his third time contesting and got elected this time. I think he has a good experience and will do well,” said Karma Lhamo, a resident of Doksum.
Karma Gyeltshen, 53, will now represent the people in the parliament. He secured 3,152 votes while the DPT’s Jigme Tashi secured 2,109 votes.
Of the 20 polling stations, Karma Gyelsthen won in fifteen polling stations. He said looking at the past trend, the election result came out as expected.
“I knew that the bye-election for Khamdang-Ramjar would favour with the government’s candidate. Moreover, people have reposted their trust and confidence because this is my third appearance including the one which I contested in 2013 National Council election,” said Karma Gyeltshen, the MP-elect.
And now fulfilling the election pledges will be his top priority.
“I will take their voice and I said that those pledges that I have made are not for the political gimmick. These are reality and need-based assessment and am sure that I will try my best to deliver all the pledges that I have committed,” added the MP-elect.
Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s candidate, Jigme Tashi, also said the ruling party factor decided his fate.
“I was not elected during the bye-election because people thought that the ruling party would benefit them. So, I would like to congratulate the MP-elect Karma Gyeltshen and so am hopeful that he would fulfil the aspiration of the people of Khamdang-Ramjar constituency.”
The Khamdang-Ramjar constituency became vacant after the former MP Kuenga Loday resigned in November last year. The high court convicted him and five others for the illegal construction of a road. The case is now in the Supreme Court.
Sonam Tshering, Trashi Yangtse
