More than 130 polling officials were deployed yesterday for the National Council poll-day in 22 polling stations in Haa.
Returning Officer (RO) Dorji T said that there are at least three security personnel in every polling station in the dzongkhag.
Good coordination with the dzongkhag administration was critical in making the election processes successful, he said. “Coordination and support from the dzongkhag administration has been key in carrying out election-related activities here.”
He said that the dzongkhag administration had arranged vehicles for deputation of polling officials in respective stations adding that thorough refresher course for polling officials was necessary.
As of April 17, the RO’s office had received close to 500 conventional postal ballots.
Dorji T said that the office is also strictly monitoring activities in the dzongkhag.
“Eleven polling officials were recruited on lucky dip basis. Others were taken in looking at their experience. Of the 21 polling stations that will either be a government or private structure, one station in Dorikha is sort of a temporary shed.”
A 53-year-old Wangchuk Tshering from Haa said that he was happy, as all four candidates were capable.
For better communication during the poll-day, an App called Poll Info was installed and reporting system presented during the refresher course that was conducted for the election officials.
NC candidates said that there was no major challenge during the campaign period.
“Wherever I went for the campaign, I felt at home. The hospitality was good,” said a candidate.
One of the candidates said that he learnt more about the election processes. “Even if I lose, I will feel happy to have participated and provided people a choice. I will respect the choice of the people.”
Rinchen Zangmo | Haa