National Council election set for April 20

Election Commission of Bhutan has announced that it will hold elections for the third National Council on April 20.

According to the commission, the candidates will have a month to campaign and request for votes as the formal election campaign begins on March 20.

While technically laws sets rule for minimum age to be candidate in election, the ECB has set the maximum age as well. Those reaching 65 years on before March 19 will not be eligible to stand as candidate for the National Council.

The election process has begun on February 15 where blocks or municipalities will elect one candidate each, if there are multiple aspirants.

The commission has restricted any ministers, members of the National Assembly religious figures, civil society organisations and government employees from attending, supporting or opposing any candidates of the National Council during this period.

The 20 Districts will elect one member to the National Council while five others will be nominated by the king. Unlike in 2013, the existing National Council members can contest the election, if they want to re-contest, without resigning.