The Election Commission of Bhutan would like to inform the general public that it has, as of date, received a total of eight cases related to the Primary Round of the National Assembly Election 2018.
Case #1: An anonymous complaint against Tandin Wangchuk, Vice President of BCCI shared by Anti-Corruption Commission
The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) received a query, on 24th of August 2018, from Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on the complaint against Mr. Tandin Wangchuk, Vice President of Bhutan Chamber Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The anonymous complaint alleged that Tandin Wangchuk is seen busy initiating and mobilizing funds and gathering financial support for DPT and questions whether he is allowed to do so. ECB has responded that the same complaint was filed with ECB on 6th July 2018 and has shared with ACC a chronology of actions taken by ECB on the complaint. Inconsistencies were observed in the submissions made by Mr. Tandin Wangchuk and ECB has notified him that he shall be held accountable in accordance with the Election Act, should any contradictions to his responses come to light in the future.
Case #2: Anonymous complaint against Trashigang Dzongkhag Tshogdu Thrizin for taking part in political activities
An anonymous complainant who claimed to be a supporter of DNT complained against Trashigang Dzongkhag Tshogdu Thrizin on the grounds of involvement in campaigning with Norbu Wangchuk in Yonphu Pam and in Udzorong, gathering people and asking them to vote for him, holding secret late-night meeting in Samdrup Jongkhar, and taking Nu. 5 million from him.
The mobile phone number provided in the complaint upon verifying from Bhutan Telecom, turned out to be a number that had been inactive for last three years. The Thrizin was also questioned on the allegations to establish the facts.
The DEDSB after considering the allegations against the few facts that could be established dismissed the complaint on 30th of August 2018.
Case #3: PDP lodged a query regarding rampant distribution of Party Cards by DNT and misinformation to voters
The query was filed on 30th August 2018 and was investigated by DEDSB and findings forwarded to the CEDSB on 6th September 2018.
A hearing with both the parties was held on 8th September 2018 and the CEDSB awarded its written reasoned decision on 8th of September 2018. The case is in the Appeal Period.
Case #4: An anonymous complaint
An anonymous complainant from a Dzongkhag was received and is currently under consideration.
Case #5: A complaint lodged by General Secretary of DPT against Dasho Dr. Sonam Kinga, on post shared in latter’s Facebook Page Account
The complaint lodged by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa on the Facebook post by Dasho Dr. Sonam Kinga, has been investigated by the Media Arbitrator and the investigation report was forwarded to CEDSB on 6th September, 2018.
A hearing with both the parties was held on 7th September and the CEDSB awarded its written reasoned decision on 8th of September 2018 within four days upon receipt of the complaint. The case is in the Appeal Period currently.
Case #6: DPT Dzongkhag Coordinator Chorten Tshering lodged a complaint against Neten Dorji regarding misuse of Voter’s List
Complainant alleged that Neten Dorji a registered member of PDP misused the Voter’s List by collecting individual mobile number and noting it in the voter’s list and instilled fear in people by telling them that only those who gave the number will receive support.
After the DEDSB had investigated the case, the complainant asked to withdraw the case. The Case is under review as the DEDSB dissolved on 5/09/2018.
Case #7: DPT Dzongkhag Coordinator lodged a complaint against a Kezang of Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag regarding conversation in WeChat group
Complainant alleged that Kezang referred to DPT as a ngolop party in a WeChat Group named “Khamdang Ramjar PDP 2018.”
The DEDSB investigated the case and forwarded its report and Case is under review.
Case #8: A complaint has been lodged by Ugyen Tsechup against Jigs Rinpoche regarding social media post against Singye Group of Company (P) Ltd over affiliation with DNT
The complainant mentions that Jigs Rinpoche, a facebook user account posted in Bhutanese news and Forum that Singye Group of Company and Ugyen Tshechup are financing DNT. It has led to many enquires by their business partners from abroad thereby losing credibility and competency of the Company.
Media arbitrator’s office has forwarded the case which is currently under review.
Released for public information.
Chogyal Dago Rigdzin
Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan
