More voters have sent in their postal ballot applications, in almost all the constituencies, compared to the primary round of elections, but at the same time, there have been rejections though in lesser numbers this time around.
The common reasons for the rejection of postal ballots application, as stated by the respective returning officers (ROs), were mainly due to the non-registration with the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB).
Tsirang has received 317 additional new postal ballot applications compared to the primary round.
During the primaries, Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang constituency in Tsirang received a total 1,173 postal ballot applications, out of which 968 were accepted and 205 got rejected. Among the rejections, 185 ballots were for non-registration with ECB, and rest for reasons like incorrect VPIC number, competent witness, and improper registration.
The figures for new applications received for Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang constituency is 162, out of which 119 were accepted and 43 got rejected.
963 applications have been received as of July 2, with 124 more postal ballots still on its way, taking the number to a total of 1,087 applications. Out of 1,087, three postal ballots are being sent abroad, 180 ballots for armed forces, and 904 for civil servants and others.
Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang RO Rinchen Penjor said, “This time around too, common reason for the rejection is non-registration with the ECB.”
However, for those who haven’t registered correctly, or have missing details, he said, “We call them if they have given their number and we resend them for correction, while for those who haven’t reflected their numbers there is no choice other than to reject their postal ballots.”
Likewise, Sergithang-Tsirangtoe constituency under Tsirang has received 155 additional postal ballots, out of which 28 got rejected and 127 were accepted.
A total of 1,024 postal ballots are being sent out, and as of now it has received 892 postal ballots and has yet to receive 132 postal ballots.
Zhemgang has received 550 new postal ballot applications, out of which Bardo-Trong constituency saw 250 plus postal ballot applications, while Panbang constituency received 300 plus postal ballot applications. In total, Zhemgang accepted 550 new postal ballot applications.
The largest dzongkhag in the south, Samtse has also seen an increase in number of postal ballot applications.
The Phuentshogpelri-Samtse constituency has received 62 additional postal ballots, out of which 59 were accepted and three were rejected. While Ugyentse-Yoeseltse constituency received 107 new postal ballot applications, out of which 87 were accepted and 20 were rejected.
Kanglung-Samkhar-Udzorong constituency in Trashigang, the largest dzongkhag in the east, received 150 new postal ballot applications, out of which 130 were accepted and 20 rejected. No additional applications were received for Bartsham-Shongphu constituency and at the same time the constituency received five less postal ballots as compared to the primaries. The constituency received 1,670 postal ballots and only 50 were rejected, whereas in the primaries there were as many as 222 ballots rejected.
The Chhoekhor-Tang constituency in Bumthang received 80 new postal ballot applications and similarly Nyisho-Sephu constituency in Wangdue Phodrang received 80 new applications.
For Mongar constituency, a total of 242 postal ballot applications were received, out of which 199 were accepted and 41 rejected. And a total of 118 new postal ballot applications were received, out of which 147 were accepted and 29 got rejected in the Nganglam constituency under Pemagatshel.
The last date for receiving postal ballot application is on July 12 before 5 pm.