Chencho Dema

Punakha – The ten contenders vying for the two Punakha constituencies collectively expressed relief as the final day of the campaign concluded.

However, with approximately 48 hours remaining until election day, a sense of unease lingers among some candidates, making it challenging to ascertain their sentiments regarding the impending election.

A palpable nervousness prevails among the contenders, particularly concerning the uncertainty of voter support for their respective parties.

Beyond merely choosing between two parties on Thursday, voters are effectively putting an end to a months-long, intense campaign.

Despite the race tightening, candidates remain steadfast in their belief that their electoral advantage will endure, confident in their prospects of prevailing on Thursday. 

The candidates’ charisma, shaped by interactions with the public, will face its ultimate test as voters pass their verdict on Thursday.

The Kabjisa-Talo constituency features Tshering Dorji (Bhutan Tendrel Party), Tshencho Wangdi (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa), Sangay Phurba (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa), Kinzang Thinley (Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa), and Namgyal Dorji (People’s Democratic Party).

Meanwhile, the Lingmukha-Toedwang constituency includes Gyambo Sithey (PhD) (BTP), Dr Tandi Dorji (DNT), Tenzin Tshewang (DPT), Sonam Wangyel Wang (PhD) (DTT),and Namgay Wangchuk (PDP).

In an interview with PDP’s Namgyal Dorji, he expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness, dedicating his efforts to the final campaign push. Tshencho Wangdi of DNT conveyed confidence in his party’s achievements and readiness for the election’s outcome, despite physical exhaustion.

Kinzang Thinley of DTT expressed optimism about advancing through the primary round, relying on positive interactions with voters.

Tenzin Tshewang of DPT, after holding numerous meetings across his constituency, claimed to be at ease while expressing excitement for election day.

Sangay Phurba of DPT shared his positive sentiments, acknowledging strong public support but refraining from predicting victory due to the formidable competition.

Gyambo Sithey of BTP adopted a philosophical stance, stating: “Que Sera, Sera …What will be, will be.”

Deployment of 116 polling officials to 27 polling stations, along with security personnel from Royal Bhutan Police, Royal Bhutan Army, and Dessups, is underway.

The Kabji-Talo constituency has approximately 13,731 registered voters, including 2,350 postal voters in-country, while Lingbukha-Toedwang constituency has 7,807 registered voters, with 1,735 postal voters.

There are 36 registered voters with disabilities in Punakha. According to the Punakha census department, the dzongkhag has a total of 33,049 residents.