The Election Commission of Bhutan, during its 16th and 20th Commission Meetings held on 30 April 2026 and 25 May 2026 made amendments to the Rules on Elections Conduct in the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2022, Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2021 and the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2018 as listed below. The amendments shall apply with immediate effect.
Rules on Elections Conduct in the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2022
1. Amendment to Section 4.3.3.1
Section 4.3.3.1 has been amended as follows “Serving in an office in the public/private sector with exemplary conduct and performance for 5 years for assumption of office in the Thromde Tshogde for a post of Thrompon and National Assembly, and for 10 years for assumption of office in the National Council”
2. Insertion of new sections (Section 5.2 and 6)
The new Sections are as follows:
5.2 National Council Election Campaign Pledges
5.2.1 For the purpose of evaluating the campaign pledges of National Council candidates, the Commission shall constitute an Independent Evaluation Committee in addition to the Committee constituted under Section 5.1.4.
5.2.1 The composition of the committee shall be as per the Standard Operating Procedure developed for the purpose.
6. Local Government Campaign Pledges
6.1 Local Government Campaign Pledges Evaluation Committee
6.1.1 The Committee constituted under Section 5.1.4 shall evaluate the campaign pledges of the Thrompon candidates.
6.1.2 The composition of the committee shall be as per the Standard Operating Procedure developed for the purpose.
6.1.3 The evaluation and approval process for the campaign pledges of Thromde and Gewog Tshogpa in Local Government elections shall be as notified by the Commission.
Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2021
1. New Section 16.2:
16.2 “Broadcasting under section 276 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 shall include public communications as defined in sections 2.1.3, 2.1.13, 2.1.14, and 2.1.15 of these Rules”
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2018
1. Amended Section 8 and New Section 8.3:
8. Procedures related to the Machines (EVM)
8.3 For the purpose of Section 546(b) of the Act, the phrase “…Electronic Voting Machine in use for taking poll…” shall extend beyond the election period and not be limited to the poll day only.
The general public and all stakeholders are requested to refer to the official website of the ECB, for detailed information on the amended provisions and related procedures (click here) or www.ecb.bt
Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan
