DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
As campaigning for the Thromde elections heats up in Thimphu and Phuentshogling, the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) is encouraging eligible voters to make full use of the remaining common forums before the campaign period concludes.
The forums are intended to help voters better understand the candidates’ pledges and compare their plans before casting their votes.
In Thimphu Thromde, more than 9,159 registered voters are expected to participate in the election for the election of Thompon and Tshogpa, while Phuentshogling has 1087 registered voters.
Throughout the campaign period, candidates have been meeting the voters across all Demkhongs to present their manifestos and discuss issues affecting local communities.
Among the issues raised during the campaign, improving water supply has emerged as one of the main concerns for residents. Both Thrompon candidates for Thimphu Thromde have included water management among their key campaign pledges.
At the common forum, Thrompon candidate Sonam Choden pledged to improve the city’s water supply system by working towards providing residents with a 24-hour water supply. She said her priority would be to eliminate time-based water rationing while improving household water connections to ensure residents have easier and more reliable access to clean water.
Her proposal focuses on addressing one of the most common concerns raised by residents, many of whom continue to experience irregular water supply in different parts of the Thromde.
The other Thrompon candidate, Ugyen Dorji, also identified water management as one of his campaign priorities. He pledged to construct two new water treatment plants to strengthen the city’s water infrastructure and improve the overall quality and reliability of water services.
He also proposed upgrading the existing water supply network within the core area of Thimphu Thromde. According to his campaign pledge, he would work to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) to 25 percent through the adoption of modern technology and improvements in system efficiency. The proposed measures are aimed at reducing water losses and improving the effectiveness of the existing distribution network.
As candidates continue presenting their plans to voters, many residents say access to reliable drinking water remains one of the most pressing issues that the next Thromde administration should address.
Gyelpo, a voter from Changbangdhu–Olakha Demkhong, said improving water supply is his highest priority in the upcoming election. He said the common forums provided him with a better understanding of the candidates’ manifestos and allowed him to compare their proposed plans before deciding whom to support.
“The forum gave me a clearer understanding of what each candidate intends to do for the Thromde,” he said. “I will vote for a candidate who is honest, committed, and capable of delivering the promises made to the people.”
Another voter, Chundu Tshering Pem, 48 years old, from Dechenchhoeling – Taba Demkhong, said residents expect improvements in several basic municipal services that directly affect daily life.
She said reliable water supply remains one of the community’s primary concerns, along with better drainage systems, properly maintained roads, and prompt responses from the Thromde to public complaints.
According to her, the common forum offered voters an opportunity to better understand the candidates’ visions, priorities, and approaches to addressing local issues.
“The common forum has helped me understand how each candidate thinks about the issues facing the Thromde,” she said. “I will support a candidate who listens to residents, keeps the public informed out Thromde matters, and works towards making Thimphu a cleaner, better-managed, and more liveable city.”
The common forums have served as an important platform throughout the campaign, allowing candidates to explain their manifestos directly to residents and respond to questions from voters.
The public discussions have also enabled voters to compare the candidates’ commitments on issues ranging from municipal services to urban development.
With the campaign entering its final stage, the ECB continues to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the remaining common forums before the campaign period ends. The Commission has urged voters to make informed decisions by listening to the candidates’ proposals and understanding their plans for addressing the needs of their respective Demkhongs.
As polling day approaches, the campaign in Thimphu Thromde continues to focus on issues that affect the everyday lives of residents. Water supply, municipal infrastructure, public service delivery, and urban management remain among the key priorities discussed by both candidates as they seek the support of voters.
The Election Day is 15 July where Thimphu Thromde will elect one Thrompon and seven Tshogpas and Phuentsholing will elect their Thrompon and 6 Tshongpas. Thimphu Thromde has 7 polling stations and Phuentsholing Thromde has 6 polling stations.
The final common forum for Babesa, Jungsina _Kawanjangsa and Changangkha will be held on 5 July at Mothithang HSS as the forum scheduled earlier could not be conducted in the respective Demkhongs due to no voter turnout.
Similarly, in Phuentsholing Thromde, the common forum for Phuentsholing Toed and Nyedrag Demkhongs was conducted on 1 July.
