Druk Nymdrup Tshogpa’s (DNT) Dewathang-Gomdar candidate Thinley Namgyel and two respondents were warned by Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) for third party campaigning yesterday.

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s (DPT) dzongkhag coordinator, Tshering Dorji, lodged the complaint on October 16.

As evidence, Tshering Dorji also submitted a video recording to the ECB.

According to section 6 of the Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2013, no candidates or political part shall permit any other person to carry out election campaign on his/her or its behalf, except by persons authorized as per the electoral laws.

The two respondents from Dewathang throm were not representatives or party workers or members of DNT.

Tshering Dorji said that in the primary round, DPT was in lead with over 4,000 votes.

He added that although the candidate was aware of the election rules, he had the two individuals campaign on his behalf. “After the general election results, we will have to see how to proceed with the issue. Right now we have respect for the judgment passed by the ECB.”

Tshering Dorji said that the candidate and the respondents had campaigned at Martang, Dewathang gewog on October 14. “I believe they also visited other places but we didn’t have evidence.”

The decision issued by ECB yesterday stated that there had been unauthorised campaign in favour of DNT. “The candidate is liable for the act of the respondents, although he claims not to have taken/asked them, as it is found that they make these statements in favour of the candidate, in his presence and therefore with his consent or permission.”

According to the ECB findings, Thinley Namgyel said he had nothing to add except that he did not take the two respondents on his campaign.

Phurpa Lhamo  | Samdrupjongkhar