Dechen Dolkar 

The Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) is confident about securing a minimum of 32 seats, owing to the growing support from followers of other political parties. 

To form a government, the party needs to secure a minimum of 24 constituencies out of the total 47.

The party reports a daily increase in its support base, with coordinators and supporters from other parties joining the BTP. 

President Pema Chewang emphasises that the general round focuses on the candidates rather than the party, highlighting the advantage the BTP holds in this regard. 

He said: “Majority of our candidates are highly experienced, seasoned, qualified, capable, and well-connected with their constituents, as evident from public debates and feedback.”

The ongoing campaign, initiated on December 14 for the general round of elections, concludes today. 

In this 24-day period, Pema Chewang has covered 19 dzongkhags in 190 gewogs, conducting over 70 meetings. Meetings, lasting one to two hours each, involve expressing gratitude for primary round support and seeking further support for the general round. 

Notably, the party has not covered Lhuntse, with supporters and coordinators expressing comfort with the ongoing developments and suggesting a focus on weaker constituencies.

The campaign, from 9am to 5pm with a tight schedule, required early starts and late finishes for the president, sometimes reaching destinations as late as midnight. The meetings, combining two to three nearby gewogs, are attended mainly by influential and adult family members, with most halls full.

Pema Chewang emphasised the party’s specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for prosperity, rooted in good governance, smart policies, innovation, creativity, and enterprise, supported by a culture of hard work and determination. 

He said that reviving the economy is a common goal irrespective of the party in power.

Urging voters to choose wisely, Pema Chewang highlighted the memorable campaign journey, providing insights into grassroots needs. 

The campaign concludes today, meeting the people in Shamkhar, Rungung, Radi, Sakteng, and Udzorong.