Thukten Zangpo

In yesterday’s primary round, Thimphu demonstrated strong support for Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

DNT’s party president, Dr Lotay Tshering, secured the highest votes with 2,006 (1,691) from the electronic voting machine (EVM) and 315 from postal ballots) in South Thimphu.

PDP secured the second-highest votes, trailing DNT by 259 votes. However, PDP’s postal ballot count was 493.

Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) secured 980 votes (241 from postal ballots), and Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT) and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) secured 835 and 655 votes, respectively, with 145 and 130 postal ballots.

In the North-Thimphu constituency, where the president of DTT and a former minister contested, PDP secured the highest votes. PDP’s Tshering secured 1,602 votes—1,291 from EVM and 311 from postal ballots. BTP secured the second-highest votes of 959 (815 from EVM and 144 from postal ballots).

DTT’s president, Kinga Tshering, and DNT candidate won only 669 and 632 votes, respectively, and DPT managed 513 votes.

Voters expressed their commitment to choosing the best government for the benefit of the people.

Dawa Sangay from Wangbama, 26, emphasised the importance of agriculture and the challenges in accessing finance for the community.

Another voter, Karma from Babesa, expressed a sense of responsibility, stating, “I will regret it if the best party loses. I came to make a difference.”

Thimphu recorded a voter turnout of about 61 percent. with 64 percent in South Thimphu and 57.5 percent in North Thimphu.

Thimphu has 17,338 registered voters. North Thimphu has 7,607 registered voters, while South Thimphu has 9,731 registered voters.