Citizens Prepare to Travel for Upcoming Election Amid Postal Ballot Limitations

… 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒎 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒐𝒔

Phurpa Wangmo

As the fourth National Assembly election approaches, scheduled for November 30, an increasing number of individuals are preparing to travel to their respective constituencies to cast their votes. With no option to send postal ballots or vote from their current location, they are obligated to journey to their designated Dzongkhag to participate in the electoral process.

Ngawang from Trashiyangtse, who recently turned 18, expressed his excitement about voting for the first time. Despite not having the option of a postal ballot, Ngawang is eager to travel to his constituency and cast his vote. Recognizing the value of each vote, he insisted that his brother accompany him on the journey from Thimphu to Trashiyangtse, planning to depart on Tuesday. Ngawang has closely followed the debates of all the political parties and is determined to make an informed decision, as he believes it is every citizen’s right to choose the best party. He admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming voting experience, viewing it as a significant milestone in his life.

Sonam, a 92-year-old residing with his granddaughter in Thimphu, shared his commitment to the electoral process, stating that he has cast votes in every election until now. This year, he plans to travel to his village to participate in the voting process. Despite challenges in identifying candidates through images due to his age, Sonam emphasized his ability to recognize them through their logos. He expressed his intention to vote for candidates who are both right-minded and capable. Believing in the importance of the citizens’ right to choose the best candidates, Sonam is determined to exercise his right to vote thoughtfully.

Pema Lhamo, a resident of Kanglung, expressed her commitment to the electoral process. She and her group of friends are embarking on a journey to their village today. Pema, who runs a small shop in Thimphu, explained that she doesn’t have the option of a postal ballot and, therefore, has planned to travel to her village. Emphasizing the significance of voting, she stated that casting a vote is essential because without doing so, one forfeits the right to raise their voice.
Shacha Wangmo, a mother of two from Radhi, acknowledged the challenges of traveling to her village by bus with her young children to cast her vote. Despite the difficulties, she highlighted the importance of participating in the democratic process, noting that the opportunity to vote arises only once every five years. Shacha believes that casting a vote is crucial for choosing the right party.

Jigme Wangmo, currently residing in Paro but from Zhemgang, expressed that this year marks her second opportunity to cast her vote. During the previous National Council Election, she was able to utilize the postal ballot option, courtesy of her husband being a civil servant. However, with him currently abroad pursuing his master’s degree, Jigme now finds it necessary to travel to her village to participate in the voting process.

Emphasizing the significance of each vote, Jigme firmly believes that her single vote can contribute to the success of her preferred candidates in their bid to represent their constituency. She is motivated by the belief that every vote matters and that her participation is crucial in supporting the candidates whom she considers the best for the role.

Leki Wangmo from Lhuentse expressed that this upcoming election marks her first -time opportunity to cast a vote. In 2018, she was working abroad and regretfully missed the chance to participate. Encouraged by her grandparents, Leki is determined to make an informed choice, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right candidates. Her grandparents advised against being swayed by the opinions of friends or relatives and recommended choosing candidates based on personal judgment. Leki is committed to independently selecting the candidates she believes are the best fit for the responsibility.

Meanwhile, the three-day special early voting period for the elections for persons with disabilities commenced on Thursday.