Bhutan holds elections in three key cities

Thimphu residents have re-elected Kinlay Dorjee as their Mayor of the capital city for the term 2016-2020 at the first phase of second local elections held today (Monday).

Lone candidate Dorjee received 2116 ‘yes’ votes and 150 ‘no’ votes. Voter turn out was very low. Only 2,267 out of 7,278 eligible voters in Thimphu city turn out for casting their votes.

Similarly, other lone mayor candidate in Phuentsholing in southern border Uttar Kumar Rai has been elected with 248 ‘yes’ votes against 239 ‘no’ votes. Following the cancellation of the former Mayor Tsheten Dorji by the election commission on grounds that he held a business license, Rai was the lone candidate for the election.

Likewise, the other southern city Gelephu (Gaylegphug) elected Tika Ram Kafley as the new Mayor. Kafley received 316 votes while other contestants Harka Bahadur Gurung and Tshering Norbu received 155 and 206 votes respectively.

Voter turn out in Phuentsholing and Gelehpu (Gaylegphug) was 62 per cent and 57 respectively.

Detail reports of the election will be published by the election commission on Tuesday.