Bhutan: Mayor elections underway in three cities

Thimpu: The registered voters of three municipal corporations are voting to elect their municipal leaders locally known as Thrompon (Mayor). The election in three cities: Thimphu, Phuntsholing, and Gelephu are underway today under the tight pandemic protocol.

Bhutan has four Thromdes (cities), and the election for Samdrup Jongkhar is due in September when the current administration completes its term.

There are three candidates in Thimphu Thromde. Former Thrompon Kinley Dorji from Babesa constituency, Sonam Dorji, 31 from Dechhencholing-Taba constituency, and Ugyen Dorji from Jungshina-Kawajangsa constituency are contesting for the post.

There are around 8,000 voters in Thimphu city.

Karma Geley Uttar Kumar Rai, Chungku Dawa–the lone woman candidate–and Devi Charan Dhimal are contesting for the mayor’s post in Phuntsholing city. There are 922 eligible voters in Phuntsholing city.

Former Thrompon Tikaram Kafley and Thsering Norbu are contesting for the post of mayor from Gelephu city. There are 1,121 voters in Gelephu city.

The three cities will also elect their representatives known as Tshogpas, who serve as a bridge between the municipal office and the public.

The Thromde election administers Bhutan cities as the second level of administrative division. It is codified under the Local Government Act of 2009 and the role of municipality defined in the Election Act of Bhutan 2008.