The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) won three seats in Trashigang during the General Round of National Assembly Election 2018. DPT won in Bartsham Shongphu, Kanglung-Samkhar-Udzorong and Wamrong. DPT could not hold on to all five seats as the party did during the primary round. The party lost two seats to Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) in Radhi-Sakteng and Thrimshing.
The Trashigang contest and results showed that the east is not necessarily a DPT stronghold as the margins were not very wide even in the three seats won by DPT.
DPT’s candidate from Bartsham Shongphu, Passang Dorji, secured a total of 4,099 votes (2,176 PB + 1,923 EVM). DNT’s Tenzin Lekphell got 3,561 votes (1,721 PB + 1,840 EVM).
Passang Dorji said, “Election is based on people’s choice. However, it was very challenging but I am thankful that people supported me. As I pledged, I shall work in the interest of the people and the country. I am looking forward to serve the people of my constituency.”
DPT’s Samdrup Wangchuk from Kanglung Samkhar Udzorong won the highest votes of 3,866 votes (2,037 PB + 1,829 EVM). DNT’s candidate, Tenzin Namgay, received 3,838 votes (1,720 PB + 2,118 EVM).
DNT’s candidate, Dorji Tshering, from Radhi Sakteng secured a total of 3,550 votes (1,291 PB + 2,259 EVM) to win the constituency. DPT’s Tashi Dorji got 3,317 votes (1,721 PB + 1,596 EVM).
Dorji Tshering said, “Since I won by a narrow margin, I would say my luck favored me and the good relationship that I have with the people of my constituency also helped me win the seat.”
DNT’s candidate, Ugyen Dorji, from Thrimshing got the highest votes of 2,646 (1,518 PB + 1128 EVM) while DPT’s Chenga Tshering secured 2,459 votes (1,422 PB + 1,037 EVM).
Ugyen Dorji said, “In the general round of election, the dynamics of the game changed. After the primary elections, I assessed the ground, and was optimistic that I would win. The ground, previously occupied by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP), were largely in my favor.”
DPT’s Karma Thinley secured 2,980 votes (1,695 PB + 1,285 EVM) to win Wamrong while DNT’s candidate Jigme Wangdi got 2,622 votes (1,352 PB + 1,270 EVM).
