CEC Sampath oversees Bhutan election process

Thimphu, July 13: Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath on Saturday witnessed the second national elections in Bhutan by visiting several polling stations and said he was glad to see people's participation in the Himalayan country's democratic process.

"The polling is peaceful. Everything is normal and I am glad to see the election process in Bhutan," he told PTI here. India is providing logistical support, including gifting 4,130 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to Bhutan and Sampath is here to witness the democratic process in the Himalayan nation.

India is the only country whose CEC has been invited to oversee the Bhutan elections. About 10,000 officers, including security personnel, have been deployed for election duty.

There are 850 polling stations, including 215 temporary polling stations. The fate of 94 candidates in 47 constituencies will be decided by 3,81,790 registered voters, including 187,917 female voters. In addition, there are 48,000 postal voters. Bhutan has a tri-cameral parliament of the King, National Council and the National Assembly.

There are 25 seats in the National Council or the Upper House. Five of them are appointed by the King and 20 are elected from 20 districts. National Assembly or lower house consists of 47 members elected from 47 constituencies. Representatives to both houses were elected first in 2008.

PTI