The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Delimitation Commission of Bhutan has finalized the demarcation of 15 Dzongkhag Thromdes and 18 Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromdes. During the press conference held on 15th July in Thimphu, the Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB), Dasho Kunzang Wangdi explained that delimitation is different from declaration of Thromdes because delimitation is an activity of determining how many seats each constituency is entitled to institutions such as Dzongkhag and Yenlag Thromde.
According to the commissioner, the amended laws define that the government will decide whether Yenlag Thromde is placed under Dzongkhag administration or Gewog administration. “We recognize the urgency. The decision will be taken at the earliest because the Dzongkhag and Yenlag Thromde election will probably take place next year.” He also said ECB had requested to the government to show directives on this issue.
He also mentioned ECB was still yet place where Dzongkhag Thromdes or Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromde in Pema Gatshel and for Paro respectively, would be. “We expect the parliament will make decision hopefully at the end of 2015”.
The number of constituencies for dzongkhag thromde is determined based on its registered voter population, with a total of 90 Dzongkhag Thromdes Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhongs allocated to 15 Dzongkhag Thromde. Each Dzongkhag Thromdes will have minimum of six elected representatives. The region with less than 5,000 voters shall have the maximum of six representatives; between 5,001 and 7,500 voters shall have up to seven; between 7, 501 and 10,000 voters have eight; and more than 10,000 voters have nine. Similarly the registered voter population for 18 Yenlag Thromdes is also being notified, as required under the laws, to the public.
ECB’s release states that the Elections for the Thrompons, Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpas, Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Thuemi and Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromde Thuemi to the respective Dzongkhag Tshogdu will be conducted along with the other Dzongkhag Thromde elections in Thimphu, Phuentsholing and Sarpang, which is to be called in late 2015. However, two Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromdes of Damji and Dhosoom do not have any registered voters and elections will be held later. It also says that since Parliament of Bhutan has d
eclared only one Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromde in each Dzongkhag the process of Tshogpa nominations in the Chiwogs will be followed for the Dzongkhag Yenlag Thromde Thuemi elections.
The largest Dzongkhag Thromdes, in terms of the registered voter population, is Bumthang with 2,265 voters and the smallest is Gasa with 23 voters.
The ECB expressed its gratitude to the Delimitation Commission Members and Dzongkhag Administrations as well as Municipality Offices for their supports. The public shared their comments, views and recommendations during a public hearings held from 6th to 10th of July.
