The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) says the thromde elections in Thimphu and Phuentshogling were conducted smoothly and in full accordance with electoral procedures, despite a few minor issues during polling. Nearly 3,500 voters cast their ballots across 13 polling stations to elect thrompons and thromde tshogpas.
The Commission reported that four voters at the Jungshina and Loselling polling stations found their names missing from the electoral roll. According to Chief Election Commissioner Deki Pema, the issue was promptly verified, the required procedures were completed, and all four voters were able to cast their ballots.
The ECB also addressed concerns raised by some media organisations regarding access to counting centres. It clarified that while journalists are permitted inside the centres, they are not allowed to carry mobile phones or take photographs. The restriction is in line with electoral laws aimed at preventing the premature release of election-related information before polling officially concludes.
Meanwhile, the Commission successfully piloted its new Election and Result Administration System, which provides real-time election results as Returning Officers upload them after the close of polling. Although minor improvements are still needed, the system performed efficiently throughout the process.
The ECB also highlighted that no invalid or spoiled votes were recorded at any of the 13 polling stations, describing it as a positive indicator of the quality of the election. A total of 182 election officials, including about 35 polling officers, were deployed to manage the polls.
