The Trashigang District Election Dispute Settlement Body fined the People’s Democratic Party’s Kanglung_Samkhar_Udzorong’s candidate, a party supporter, and a business owner for violating the provisions of the Election Act and other regulations, yesterday.
The PDP’s Kanglung_Samkhar_Udzorong’s candidate, Norbu Wangchuk, complained to the District Election Dispute Settlement Body that the Bhutan Tendrel Party President, Pema Chewang, who is also the party’s Kanglung_Samkhar_Udzorong candidate donated Nu 10,000 for a marathon competition during the 116th National Day Celebrations.
According to the District Election Dispute Settlement Body’s decision, Norbu Wangchuk alleged that the donation was in contravention of the Election Act and other regulations.
The decision also states that BTP’s Pema Chewang refuted the allegation saying he did not give the donation despite getting a request for one during a meeting with Kanglung business people.
Furthermore, the decision stated that Pema Chewang deemed the complaint was put up to defame him and the party, and requested the body to fine Norbu Wangchuk for the same.
According to the decision, the PDP candidate could not produce evidence and witness to back up the claim of donation and that without verifying claims made by a few individuals he had alleged others, which is in violation of section 294 of the Election Act and the Rules on Election Conduct 2022.
PDP’s Norbu Wangchuk was fined Nu 37,500.
Similarly, a supporter of the People’s Democratic Party, Kinzang Tobgay, was fined Nu 15,000 for spreading word about the donation without verifying the claims.
The business owner, Rinchen Peldon, who sought donation from the BTP president was also fined Nu 15,000.
The District Election Dispute Settlement Body’s decision states that such act is not allowed during the election period.
She had also organised the marathon without permission from the Election Commission of Bhutan.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
