Small fraction of voters decide leadership in Bhutan
Only a small fraction of Thimphu’s residents participated in the capital’s Thromde election on July 15, with just 2,928 people casting their votes out of an estimated population of 141,000. The turnout represents about 32 percent of registered voters but only two percent of the city’s total population, underscoring how few residents ultimately determine the capital’s local leadership. Phuentsholing showed a similar pattern, where 498 voters took part despite the town having nearly 33,000 residents. The Election Commission of Bhutan bases turnout on registered voters, yet the figures highlight a long‑standing issue: many people who live and work in the thromdes cannot vote because their census is recorded in other dzongkhags.
Voter participation in Thimphu has fluctuated over the years, reaching 49 percent in 2011, dropping to 31 percent in 2016, and rising to 54 percent in 2021 when door‑to‑door facilitation during the pandemic boosted engagement. This year’s turnout was notably lower, especially among young voters. Only 217 people aged 18 to 24 voted in Thimphu, while Phuentsholing recorded 63 voters in the same age group. Most voters were between 25 and 45. Postal ballots saw limited use, with 82 ballots received across both thromdes and five rejected due to missing documents or incorrect witness details. Public interest during the campaign period was also subdued, with only 146 people attending Thimphu’s Dhamngoi Zomdus and 61 attending common forums.
Observers say the low turnout reflects both voter apathy and structural barriers. Many residents feel local governments have limited influence on their daily lives, while others point out that long‑term residents who rely on thromde services still cannot vote because their census remains elsewhere. In several demkhongs, only one candidate contested, further reducing voters’ sense of choice.
Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema noted that Bhutan’s laws do not require a minimum turnout for results to be valid and said local government elections typically draw fewer voters than parliamentary ones. She emphasised the need for sustained civic education and outlined several reforms planned ahead of the 2027 local government elections. These include shifting civic education to gewog‑level outreach, improving manifesto monitoring, analysing voting patterns through the ERA system, adjusting polling hours at specific stations, and introducing a digital Know Your Candidate platform. Citizens have also renewed calls for expanded early voting, more facilitation booths, and changes to eligibility rules so long‑term residents and property owners can vote in thromde elections.
Incumbent Thrompon Ugyen Dorji secured a second term with 1,846 votes against Sonam Choden’s 1,082, winning in all seven polling stations and receiving more postal ballots. Dorji said his first 100 days will focus on improving service delivery, including establishing two new service centres in the north and south and reducing building‑plan approval times from months to one or two weeks. He acknowledged budget constraints but said he would work closely with the government and development partners to secure resources while maintaining transparency and public consultation.