Punakha elects a woman

Actor Lhaki Dolma has touched the heart of the Punaps. The actor will now represent them in the National Council after they elected her with a huge margin among eight contestants.

Lhaki Dolma secured 2,333 votes out of the 10,000 votes cast through postal ballots and at the 30 polling stations yesterday.

 Lhaki Dolma was overwhelmed. “The results were unpredictable, as there were many candidates in the dzongkhag. However, when the postal ballot results came out, I did have some positive feelings.”

Lhaki Dolma, 39, from Dzomi gewog in Punakha has a Bachelors degree in Language and Culture Studies.  She was the second topper in the civil service examination in 2003. She is widely known for her career in acting. 

Lhaki Dolma said that the NC position was an opportunity for her to encourage young girls in rural areas. She said that she witnessed a large number of female school dropouts in Punakha, which encouraged her to take part in the elections. “We don’t have to fight for equal rights in the country. When coming forward for such opportunity, I am hoping this will encourage young people.”

Tsencho Wangdi from Talog gewog came second securing 1,511 votes. Namgay Wangchuk from Toedwang gewog secured 1,471 votes, Rinchen Dorji from Kabisa got 507, Kinley Wangchuk from Barp got 1,207, Sonam from the Thromde received 1,267 and Dechen Thaiye Dorji got 727 votes. The second woman candidate, Dechen Zangmo from Guma gewog secured 995 votes. 

Punakha had more than 16,500 registered voters of which about 8,800 are female. 

With over 1,400 voters, Punakha hospital saw the maximum registered voters of all the polling stations in the dzongkhag. People at the station queued until 6:40pm to cast their votes yesterday. The station also witnessed some dedicated individuals coming to cast their votes despite their disabilities. 

Among them were 67 year old Tshering and 77 year old Pem. They are visually impaired. 

Phurpa Lhamo | Punakha