The Election Commission of Bhutan hereby notifies the general public that, under Article 22(21) of the Constitution and Section 194 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, the term of office of the 205 Gewog Tshogdes and Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde shall conclude on 21 January 2027.
Following the polls of 22 December 2021 and 6 January 2022, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, vide letter No. JA/DLG/LGDD-08/562 of 19 January 2022, directed a staggered convening of the first sitting of the Dzongkhag Tshogdus on account of the COVID-19 risk levels and mandatory public health requirements at the time. Notwithstanding this variation, the term of office for all 205 Gewog Tshogdes and Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde Tshogde are deemed to have commenced uniformly from 22 January 2022 and the entitlements of the members likewise commenced from that same date. This uniform commencement was adopted by the Ministry, in consultation with the Royal Government and the Election Commission of Bhutan, as an administrative necessity arising from those extraordinary public health circumstances.
Pursuant to Article 24(5) of the Constitution and Section 202 of the Election Act, 2008, the second phase of the Fourth Local Government Elections, comprising elections to the Gewog Tshogdes and Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde, shall be conducted within the statutory 90-day period from 22 January to 21 April 2027. This notice is being issued well in advance for all stakeholders to plan accordingly.
All individuals, families, communities, administrations, organizations and agencies are advised to avoid organising social and religious events during this period, other than the age-old annual Dzongkhag Tshechus, which may proceed as usual. All Dzongkhag, Gewog, and Thromde Administrations, Local Government functionaries and agencies are requested to disseminate this notice widely within their jurisdictions, including through community and religious leaders, to ensure timely public awareness.
The definitive Election Schedule, including poll day and related milestones, shall be issued through a formal Notification under the Election Act, 2008, in due course.
The Commission calls on all citizens and agencies to extend their full cooperation toward a smooth, free and fair conduct of the second phase of the Fourth Local Government Elections, 2027.
Issued on the 14th Day of the 6th Month of the Fire Male Horse year, corresponding to 28 July 2026.
Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan
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