Mayor of Bhutan

First ever elected mayors of Bhutan's category A Towns

Thimphu’s mayor
22 January, 2011 - “.I am very excited and nervous as well.”

Appearing flushed and exhausted at his residence yesterday, 40- year old Kinlay Dorjee, who was elected Thimphu’s mayor in the first thromde elections, said it was an immense relief to hear the results in his favour.
The candidate from Babesa had secured 1,335 votes, comfortably winning by 182 votes.

“I have put in every effort since I resigned from work in December last year,” said the former Bhutan Power Corporation general manager, who had relatives and well-wishers pouring into his house when darkness set in yesterday.

Kinlay Dorjee had, however, expected to win by a bigger margin.

“It had been my weakness to give in easily when people said they would support me,” he said. “But that’s the beauty of democracy and I respect their choice.”

He said this was also an indication his other two colleagues were very capable. “I respect them,” he said.

Upholding the promises he made during his campaigns, Kinlay Dorjee said his first move would be improvement of the office, strengthening of customer care and service.

“Residents should see some improvement within the first year,” he said.

While the capital city, for various reasons, has often been associated with being a domain of rich people who got things done easily, Kinlay Dorjee said he was bent on rooting out such a practice.

“I will ensure there are no differential treatment between rich and poor and instead, try to help both within the circumference of rules and regulations and push all development activities,” he said.

He said it was important for him to take that stand or else, it will be very difficult to work in the city.

“I am a very fair person and my track record says it as well,” he said, adding he would take up all the issues pertaining to the city and live up to the voters’ expectations.

The father of three said until he received further notice from the election commission, he intended to make a quick holiday trip with his family down south.

“My family and relatives have given in so much during the entire process,” he said.

P/ling goes for age and experience

“After formally assuming the post, I want to begin by cleaning the town”

Thromde election 22 January, 2011 - The results were out. Tsheten Dorji had won. The 59-year-old was bewildered. He didn’t know whether to answer his phone, ringing every time he finishes talking to one or to listen to the officials who want him to sign the poll results.

Taking a break from the numerous congratulatory calls, he said he was shocked and couldn’t tell whether he was happy or sad.

Tsheten Dorji secured 182 votes from a total of 477 cast. The other two candidates, Dr Ashan Chhetri, 26, and Uttar Kumar Rai, 29, secured 140 and 125 votes respectively.

The businessman who moved from Trashigang to Chukha in the 1960s considered Dr Ashan Chettri as a strong opponent. “But I feel people elected me over the two young candidates because of my age and experience,” he said, adding that since he had settled in Phuentsholing decades ago, he knew the issues concerning the town like the back of his hand.

“After formally assuming the post, I want to begin by cleaning the town,” he said. “As I have been nominated by the people, I will work for their benefit.”

Tsheten Dorji laid his emphasis on making Phuentsholing a tax-free zone and different from the border town of Jaigaon. “I haven’t promised anything beyond my capability,” he said.

Against the backdrop of the BBS television announcing the elected thrompons at his house located in the heart of the town, Tsheten Dorji’s wife was equally shocked with the news.

Well wishers and family members had filled the house. Tsheten Dorji’s wife said she would continue to support him throughout his tenure. “I’ll be there to remind him of what he promised to the people.”

All the three candidates had won majority votes in two constituencies each. The deciding factor was in the two constituencies of Pasakha and Phuentsholing mae. Tsheten Dorji won by a huge margin with 49 and 69 votes respectively.

In Pasakha, Dr Ashan Chettri and Uttar Kumar Rai secured only 17 and 18 votes, while in Phuentsholing mae they managed only 16 and two votes respectively.

In Pekarzhing and Rinchending, Dr Ashan Chettri secured the highest votes with 49 and 26 votes. Tsheten Dorji and Uttar K Rai secured 28 and 34 votes in Pekarzhing and by 14 and 17 votes in Rinchending.

Uttar K Rai got the highest votes from Phuentsholing toe and Nyedrag securing 32 and a landslide of 22 votes respectively while Dr Ashan Chettri lost from his own constituency (Phuentsholing toe) with 30 votes and only 2 votes from Nyedrag. Tsheten Dorji failed to secure any votes from Nyedrag but managed to get 22 votes from Phuentsholing toe.

Meanwhile, five tshogpas were elected while there was no candidate for the post of Pekarzhing tshogpa.

The lone candidate, Ganesh Rai from Pasakha secured a 70 “Yes” votes and 14 “No” votes. Similarly, the only candidate from Phuentsholing toe, Sharmila Limbu was elected by 74 “Yes” votes and 10 “No” votes. Nar Bdr Rai, also the lone candidate from Nyedrag secured 23 “Yes” votes and one vote against him.

For Rinchending, Krishna Bdr Tamang won by 32 votes over Tshering Wangdi’s 25 votes while Karma Chen was elected as the Phuentsholing mae tshogpa with 66 votes over Dorji Khandu’s 21 votes.

Samdrup Jongkhar gives Karma Sherub Thobgyal majority

Friday, January 21, 2011

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR THROMDE: It was a landslide win for Karma Sherub Thobgyal in Samdrup Jongkhar. Karma Sherub Thobgyal got  140 votes, 58 votes more than Dechen

The election results of the Tshogpas

Namgay leads in Gelephu

Friday, January 21, 2011

GELEPHU THROMDE: According to preliminary reports, Namgay is leading the race in Gelephu with 309 votes. The second contestant, Churamani Tiwari, has won 223 votes. Namgay is leading with 86 votes. The results will be officially declared by the election commission tomorrow.

The election results of the Tshogpas