KINLEY KHADU CHODEN | Thimphu
From elderly voters in their eighties to working professionals who took time out of their busy schedules, residents of Thimphu turned out to cast their ballots with a shared belief that participating in the Thromde Elections is both a civic duty and an opportunity to shape the future of their community.
Across polling stations, voters expressed hopes for better leadership, improved public services and stronger community development. While many acknowledged that not every campaign promise can be fulfilled, they said voting remains an important responsibility and the foundation of a healthy democracy.
For 85-year-old Dorji, voting was never a matter of choice but of responsibility. Casting his vote the Loselling MSS polling station on 15 July Dorji felt that he had done his duty as a concern citizen.
“Voting is our duty, regardless of whether the elected candidates fulfil their promises or not. We still have to cast our vote,” he said.
Dorji added that the voting process was smooth and that he encountered no difficulties while casting his ballot. His comments reflected the views of many senior citizens who believe democratic participation should continue regardless of age or expectations of election outcomes.
Similarly, 56-year-old Tobgay at the same polling station described voting as a responsibility that every Bhutanese citizen should take seriously. He said people cast their votes with the hope that those elected, whether as thrompon or tshogpa, will bring meaningful improvements to their communities.
“Voting is the responsibility of every Bhutanese citizen. We cast our votes with the hope that the elected candidate will bring positive changes to our community. We are all hoping for a better future,” he said.
Another voter from Junngsina, Kinley Drukpa, 59, making time to vote despite a busy schedule was important because he believes local leadership directly influences the quality of life in the capital.
“Voting is very important for both our country and for us as residents of Thimphu,” he said.
He expressed hope that the leaders elected for the next five years would make Thimphu Thromde more attractive, better organised and welcoming for visitors.
Kinley Drukpa also praised the management of the polling station, saying the voting process was orderly, with separate voting rooms for men and women and comfortable facilities for voters.
“I am very satisfied with how everything was managed,” he said.
While some voters emphasised civic responsibility, others highlighted the need for elected leaders to address long-standing issues affecting residents.
Another voter Chimi Wangmo, 63, from Babesa demkhong said she hopes the new thrompon will prioritise essential public services.
“I hope the newly elected thrompon will address the issues our community faces, whether it is water supply, waste management or road conditions. I hope the new leadership brings positive changes,” he said.
His concerns reflected the expectations of many urban residents, who want local governments to improve basic infrastructure and municipal services.For
Kuenzang, 63, the decision to vote was based on the candidate’s previous contributions to the community rather than campaign promises alone.
“I came to vote for the candidate I believe is the right choice,” Kuenzang said.
She said she was confident in her choice because the candidate had already demonstrated commitment by helping the community and bringing positive changes.
“I believe that will continue,” she added.
One of the oldest voters at the Changangkha polling station 80-year-old Ugyen Dem, who said age did not prevent her from fulfilling what she considers an important national responsibility.
“Even at the age of 80, I came to vote because I want to contribute to the country’s development and support the people,” she said.
She also expressed realistic expectations of elected leaders.
“I hope the elected leaders fulfil their promises, although I understand that, as a small country with limited resources, it may not be possible to achieve everything,” she said.
Pema Yangzom, 55, said she voted for the candidate she believes will work for the welfare of the community.
She also described the voting process as simple and straightforward, noting that having only two candidates made it easier to make a decision.
“The voting process was simple, with a clear choice between the candidates,” she said.
Likewise, Ugyen Phuentsho, 50 from Norzin Demkhong, said elections give citizens the opportunity to determine who leads their communities. He was casting his vote at the Jigme Losel PS polling station.
“Voting gives us the opportunity to choose the right leader,” he said.
He explained that he voted for a candidate who had already been supporting the community and expressed confidence that the individual would continue serving the people if elected.
Despite their different backgrounds and priorities, voters shared several common expectations. They want leaders who are accountable, responsive and capable of delivering tangible improvements in municipal services. Water supply, waste management, road maintenance and the overall development of Thimphu emerged as recurring concerns.
Voters also expressed confidence in the conduct of the election, describing the polling process as orderly, accessible and efficient. The participation of elderly voters, including those aged 80 and 85, reflected a strong commitment to Bhutan’s democratic process and underscored the belief that every vote contributes to shaping the future of local governance.
With the declaration of the results, many hope the newly elected leaders will translate public trust into meaningful action. While priorities vary from one voter to another, the message was clear: citizens expect accountable leadership that listens to community concerns, addresses everyday challenges and works towards making Thimphu a cleaner, more liveable and better-managed capital.
