For the supporters of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s (DPT) Khar-Yurung candidate, the Election Commission of Bhutan’s (ECB) decision barring her from campaigning further is a relief.

This is because it went viral on WeChat that she would be disqualified to contest in the upcoming election.

The party’s constituency coordinator, Sangay Norbu, said people were worried that the candidate will be disqualified when they knew the case was filed against her. “I told them not to worry.”

He said the decision would not have much impact in terms of votes, as she has already met most people when the decision was made. “But such a decision is also good because it would stop such things in future.”

Sangay Norbu said he hopes the people of Khar-Yurung constituency would continue their support because they know about the party’s manifesto and candidate’s capability.

A supporter from Pangthang in Chimoong gewog, Lungten, said although the decision will have an impact, it wouldn’t affect much in terms of votes as the candidate has covered almost all households in the constituency. “We will support the party as we know well about the party’s manifesto and hope that people will not change their mind.”

A supporter from Yurung, Dechen Zangmo, said that the decision shouldn’t affect much as the DPT’s Khar-Yurung candidate is not the first person ECB found guilty of violating the process.

She said such disputes are reported everywhere.

Meanwhile, the candidate, Tshering Choden, said she is worried that other people would influence the voters.

She said she had actually planned to go door-door campaign and explain her manifesto to those who haven’t undertood it clearly. “But I am satisfied with the decision as I have already met the people of the 25 chiwogs of five gewogs in my constituency.”

Tshering Choden said she hopes people would continue to support her and would not change their mind. “But I am worried that voters would be influenced as my representatives and coordinators are also not allowed to campaign on my behalf.”

She said her intention was in addressing the problems related to the fatherless children and not to harm others. “But it could be because I could not explain the way I thought. It’s a lesson for me.”

Kelzang Wangchuk | Nganglam