Thinley Namgay 

In the past two days, 74 voters from the Chhoekhor-Tang constituency residing in Thimphu voted through the postal ballot in the bye-election.

Bhutan Post started collecting ballots on November 2. On the first day, it received seven ballots. They were sent to the Returning Officer in Bumthang yesterday. The other 67 ballots received yesterday will be delivered today.

Bhutan Post distributed 642 postal ballots for the residents of Thimphu.

While the deadline for the postal ballot is November 18, Bhutan Post’s regional manager, Thinley Wangchuk, urged voters turn in their ballots at the earliest possible. “We’ve to arrange transportation to dispatch.”

“These ballots are kept under CCTV surveillance. While dispatching, we maintain a proper record for transparency,” said Thinley Wangchuk.

Voters have to return the ballots to Bhutan Post counter latest by November 10 for timely dispatch. 

Galey Chophel from Chhoekhor said that Dawa was a competent candidate with more work experience. “But if given a responsibility, Tenzin Norbu could also do it.”

“I am happy with the candidates as both of them are well qualified, but people of Chhoekhor need blacktop for the farm road,” a Mathematics teacher at Changzamtog MSS said.

“The elected candidate should look after the road to Tang as it is in a pathetic condition. Candidates have pledged to the people, but they should not forget the people after the election,” a voter from Tang, Tshering Zangmo said.

Registration for postal voters started on October 16. The Returning Officer began sending postal ballots on October 27. Chhoekhor-Tang bye-election is on November 19.