Unlike the past elections, where the dzongkhag coordinators of respective political parties had some idea on which pocket of the voters would support their party, they are uncertain this time.

Most voters in Bardo-Trong constituency in Zhemgang discuss politics but not about whom they are going to support. This time their discussion is on the unpredictability of the results on poll day.

A villager from Dungbi, about 6kms towards Wangdigang from Zhemgang town, has come to sell her vegetables in town.

She met with a group of customers in a restaurant, who were discussing politics.

She said none of the candidates visited her village, although it is located below the Zhemgang-Trongsa highway.

She, however, said she has decided to vote for one party. “I know all the four logos but not about the presidents and manifestoes.”

A local shop owner said people say they would support the party to the party workers and supporters but they say different things at the back.

Party coordinators in Zhemgang are also a bit skeptical of the support from the electorate.

People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) dzongkhag coordinator, Lhakpa Dorji, said that the people always say they will support PDP. “But when they vote, it’s a secret.”

He said even if PDP goes through the primary round, they might have a difficult contest in the general round. “The other three parties might get together.”

Lhakpa Dorji said knowing that he is the coordinator of PDP people say they would support PDP but he cannot trust anyone.

Bhutan-Kuen-Nyam Party’s (BKP) coordinator, Kinzang Tobgay, said he is not sure of the outcome as they have never asked the people to vote for them but to choose the right party during their campaign.

He said some people told them they were not sure whom they would vote this time.

Kinzang Tobgay said that as a dzongkhag coordinator, he just followed the party president’s instruction to be fair and clean during the campaign.

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa’s (DPT) coordinator, Dorji Wangdi, said people are reluctant to come forward publicly to support.“Maybe they are supporting other parties,” he said.

However, he said the party’s old support in the village level still exists. “I explained about the party’s previous works. I have high hopes in the upcoming election.”

DNT’s party coordinator was not available for comments.

Tashi Tenzin | Zhemgang