Of the 17 National Council (NC) aspirants from Mongar, 13 including a woman will now vie for the NC seat from the dzongkhag.

The dzongkhag’s dhamngoi zomdu, which began on March 1 concluded on March 14 with the zomdus in in Kengkhar and Saling gewogs.

From Khengkhar gewog, Yeshi Lhendup, 31, was nominated after securing 283 yes votes and 30 no votes.

Saling gewog nominated Naichu, 52, with 265 yes and 83 no votes. He was Mongar’s NC member from 2008 to 2013.

In Mongar gewog, Rinchen Dorji, 28, was nominated after securing 476 yes and 71 no votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 7 and 8.

Balam gewog on March 8 nominated Tshering Penjor, 32, as its candidate. He secured 303 yes and 60 no votes.

In Silambe, Pema Dorji, 29, was nominated. He secured 281 yes and 23 no votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 5, 6 and 7.

Narang gewog nominated Tshering Wangchen, 38, after he secured 181 yes and 56 no votes at the zomdu on March 1.

In Drametse, Ugyen Tshering, 34, was nominated after he secured 227 yes votes and 82 no votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 2.

Tsakaling gewog on March 1 and 2, nominated Jamyang Loday, 32, as the candidate with 299 yes and 54 no votes. Thangrong gewog nominated Ugyen Dorji, 32, with 308 yes votes and 46 no votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 4.

Tsamang gewog nominated the dzongkhag’s lone female candidate, Sonam Pelzom, 30. She secured 335 yes and 40 no votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 3, 4 and 5.

Ngatsang gewog nominated the incumbent National Council member from Mongar, Sonam Wangchuk. He secured 382 votes while his opponent, Tenzin Wangchuk, 39, secured 238 votes.

The zomdu was conducted on March 5.

In Chaskhar gewog, Neten, 32, was nominated. At the zomdu on March 3, he secured 334 votes while his opponent Tshering Dorji, 31, secured 217 votes.

In Sherimuhung gewog, Chimi Dorji, 32, was nominated after securing 172 votes.

His opponents, a businessman, Ngawang Gyeltshen, 29, secured 157 votes and a teacher Tshewang Tashi, 31, secured 159 votes. The zomdu was conducted on March 6 and 7.

There were no NC candidates from Drepoong, Gondue, Jurmey and Chali gewogs and Mongar throm.

Tashi Phuntsho | Mongar