Election: Former Phuentsholing thrompon Tsheten Dorji and Uttar Rai of Neydra constituency are the final two candidates who will contest for the thrompon’s post in Phuentsholing, the returning officer (RO) confirmed.

Although the campaign had commenced on January 1, the two contestants have not yet come for “approval” from the RO. However, a meeting will be held today in which the contestants will submit their campaign schedule, while seeking approval.

Meanwhile, the Pekharzhing thrompon candidate Sangay Tamang was disqualified on various grounds during the scrutiny time.

RO Dr Jambay Dorjee said Sangay Tamang could not submit audit clearance, attested university degree certificates, court affidavit, and non-political declaring letter.

“She was also disqualified because of her age,” the RO said, explaining Sangay Tamang, the lone female nominee of the thrompon candidates in Phuentsholing, would have qualified only on January 1, 2016. She would have turned 25 only on January 1.

The last day for submission of the documents was on December 31.

Jigme Dorji, who had represented for Rinchending constituency also didn’t submit his documents on December 31 for scrutiny.

Tandin Wangchuk, who contested from Phuentsholing Maed and lost to the former thrompon didn’t file a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Bhutan. After losing the seat to the former thrompon, he had said he would complain.

Meanwhile, three candidates will contest the new post of thromde thruemi. The former Phuentsholing Maed tshogpa Karma Chen will have to compete with Bimal Kumar Rai of Pekharzhing and Renuka Rai of Phuentsholing Toed demkhong.

It was learnt that Phuentsholing Mead tshogpa nominee was not able to file his nomination. A bye-election will be conducted separately for this.

In the other five constituencies, there are both former tshogpas and new candidates contesting for the post. Phuentsholing Toed, however, has two tshogpa contestants to compete for the seat.

Rajesh Rai, P/ling