YK Poudel 

After spending 20 years in Samtse, Tashi Dendup is elected to the National Council (NC) to represent the dzongkhag.

He has been building relationships and understanding the problems of locals as a teacher and then later working in the private sector.  

Of the 26,237 votes cast, he secured 1,897 postal ballots and 5,264 EVM votes.

Tashi Dendup during his campaign said that he would emphasise enacting laws that are research-based and contribute to framing policies that help economic growth.

He said: “Votes from the people are affirmation of my commitment to serve the nation. The democratic process is strengthened with a diversity of voices and perspectives.”




“It’s crucial to take into account each citizen’s concern while framing better laws. In close collaboration with the public, I would develop workable policies that adhere to the Constitution,” he said.

According to the voters, Tashi Dendup has remained closely related to and supportive of the local community.

As he pledged during the election campaign to strive towards solving the key issues raised by the public at dzongkhag and national levels, the voters want their NC MP-elect to work on crop-predation and compensation, ensure easy procedures for official works, and industrial development with an employment opportunity among many.

Lokesh Koirala, from Khandothang said that the procedure for public interested in infrastructural development has to be reworked. “Public interested to construct any infrastructure, be it a house or a cowshed, for example, have to go through a prolonged procedure due to the policies. We expect a review of such policies for the benefit of the citizens.”




He said: “After serving as a teacher in a rural communities for over 20 years – he understands the common needs of the people.”

Khem Bdr Gurung, 65, from Bukkey said that unemployment of youth is a growing concern that requires foremost attention.

“The NC representative from Samtse should ensure that the industrial park in Samtse develops well to ensure Bhutanese youth are employed and happy inside the country,” he said.

Another voter from Tashichhoeling drungkhag said that over the years, elephants stray into orchards and crops which requires attention for Tashichhoeling.

Voters feel that the responsibility of the House of Review is crucial in bringing better policies and reforms.




Samtse dzongkhag had 65 polling stations located in 15 gewogs.

Norgaygang gewog polling station had the highest number of registered voters 1,463, of which 580 voters turned out, followed by Panbari PS where 665 – the highest number of voters in the dzongkhag turned out.

Of the 51,834 eligible voters in the dzongkhag, 26,237 voted, out of which 11,542 females and 14,695 males voted through EVM.