Strategy for the Conduct of Local Government Elections 2016
8th of August 2016
Strategy for Conduct of Local Government Elections 2016
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Publisher : Election Commission of Bhutan, Post Box 2008, Thimphu: Bhutan.
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Copyright : © ECB, 2016
Anybody wishing to use the name, cover, photo, cover design, material part or whole thereof in any form in any book or magazine may do so with due acknowledgement.
Date of Publication :8th of August 2016
Printed at :ECB
Contents INTRODUCTION 1 1. Background 1 2. General Issues and Points 2 DELIMITATION 2 3. Allocation of Demkhongs and Territorial Boundaries 2 THE ELECTION SCHEDULE 3 4. The Election Schedule 3 ELECTION OFFICIALS 6 5. Media Arbitrator 6 6. Chief Election Coordinators 6 7. National Observers 7 8. Returning Officers 7 9. Presiding & Polling Officers 8 10. Counting Supervisors & Counting Assistants 9 11. Assignment of Duty Stations 9 12. Dzongkhag Election Officers 10 SECURITY 11 13. Security Personnel 11 14. Security Coordination and Searches 11 15. Sealing of International Border 12 APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES BY CANDIDATES 13 16. Election Representatives 13 17. Polling and Counting Representatives 13 18. Requirements 14 VOTER EDUCATION AND TRAINING 15 19. Voter Education 15 20. Electoral officials Training 16 CONDUCT OF FUNCTIONAL LITERACY TEST (FLT) 17 21. Conduct of Functional Literacy Test (FLT) 17 ELECTORAL ROLL AND VOTER PHOTO IDENTITY CARD (VPIC) 18 22. Electoral Roll 18 23. Voter Photo Identity Card (VPIC) 19 NOMINATION PROCEDURES 20
24. Gewog Tshogde Elections 20 25. Gup/Mangmi Nominations 21 26. Zomdu to select a Nominee each for Gup and Mangmi 22 27. Gewog Tshogpa Nominations 22 28. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections 23 29. Thrompon Candidate Nominations 24 30. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogpa Nominations 25 31. Venue, Participation and Conduct of the Zomdus 26 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF CANDIDATES, NOMINATION PAPERS, FILING OF NOMINATION AND SCRUTINY. 28 32. Qualification of Candidates 28 33. Dis-Qualification of Candidates 29 34. Nomination Papers 30 35. Filing of Nomination 32 36. Scrutiny of Nominations 32 UNCONTESTED AND POSTPONED ELECTIONS 34 37. Uncontested Elections 34 38. No Candidate 34 39. Equal Number of Votes 34 ELECTION CODE OF CONDUCT 35 40. Code of Conduct 35 41. Apolitical and Remaining Above Politics 35 42. Civil Society Organization (CSO) 36 CAMPAIGN 37 43. Election Campaign 37 44. Common Forums 37 45. Election Campaign Expenditure 39 46. Election Campaign Returns 41 47. End of Campaign Period 42 ELECTION CONTROL ROOMS 43 48. Election Control Rooms 43 BALLOT PAPER 44 49. Photograph and Order of Names 44 50. Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) 44
POSTAL BALLOT 47 51. Postal Ballot 47 POLLING STATIONS 49 52. Distribution of Polling Stations 49 53. Polling Stations 49 54. Gewog Tshogde Elections 49 55. Polling Procedure 51 56. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections 52 57. Polling Officials 54 POLL DAY 55 58. Poll Day 55 COUNTING, CONSOLIDATION, ANNOUNCEMENT AND DECLARATION OF RESULTS 57 59. Polling Station and Counting Centre 57 60. Counting of Votes of the Gewog Tshogde Elections 57 61. Consolidation of Results: Gewog Tshogde 59 62. Counting of Votes of the Dzongkhag Thromde Elections 61 63. Consolidation of Results 63 64. Announcement of Results 65 65. Overview of the Process 66 66. List of Forms 67 COMMUNICATION PLAN 71 67. Communication Plan 71 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 72 68. Election Disputes and Complaints 72 POST-POLL ACTIVITIES 75 69. Storage of EVMs and other Election Materials 75 70. Issue of Certificate of Election 75 71. Relieving Officers from Election Duty 75 72. Submission of Accounts by Candidates 75 73. Submission of Report by Observers 76 74. Strategy for the Conduct of Learning from Experience Programme (LEP) of the Second Local Government Elections 2016 76 BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS 82 75. Budgetary Outlay 82
76. Accounts 82 ANNEXURES 83 ANNEXURE 1A 83 ANNEXURE 1B 86 ANNEXURE 1C 92 ANNEXURE 2A 96 ANNEXURE 2B 97 ANNEXURE 2C 98 ANNEXURE 3 99 ANNEXURE 4 113 ANNEXURE 5 121
Strategy for the Conduct of Local Government Elections 2016
INTRODUCTION
1. Background
1.1. In accordance with Section 16 of Article 22 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan and Section 1 and Sections 12 to 19 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 and the Local Government Act 2014, the Election Commission of Bhutan is charged with the mandate to delimit Local Government Demkhongs, prepare the Electoral Roll and conduct Local Government Elections in the Kingdom
1.2. The 2nd Phase of the Second Local Government Elections in Bhutan shall comprise of Elections of: 1.2.1. Gup, Mangmi and Tshogpas for the 205 Gewog Tshogdes. 1.2.2. Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa of the Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde:
Gewog Tshogde
1.3. A Gewog Tshogde shall comprise of a Gup and a Mangmi elected from that Gewog and a minimum of five and maximum of eight Gewog Tshogde Tshogpas from the respective Chiwogs assigned to a particular Gewog as per the Final Delimitation Order notified under Notification No. DC/CHAIR/2011/1520 dated 27th of February 2011.
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Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde
1.4. A Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde shall comprise of a Thrompon elected by the Dzongkhag Thromde and Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpas elected from each Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong as notified under the Final Delimitation Order Nos. DC/CHAIR/2010/697 dated 16th of October 2010.
1.5. Terms and Abbreviations for Posts in Local Government Elections In order to provide a uniform understanding the following terminologies as a standard shall be used: 1.5.1. Gewog Tshogpa for Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa; 1.5.2. Chiwog for Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong; 1.5.3. Thromde Tshogde for Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde; 1.5.4. Thromde Tshogpa for Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa; 1.5.5. Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong for Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong; and
2. General Issues and Points
2.1. The Local Government Election Demkhongs shall be as reflected in the revised Delimitation Maps of all 205 Gewogs and 1044 Chiwogs issued after the delimitation of Dzongkhag Thromdes notified on 15th of July 2015 in the Revised Atlas of the Local Government Demkhongs, 2016, dated 11th of May 2016. 2.2. The elections for Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde shall be called along-with the elections in the 205 Gewogs in the 20 Dzongkhags. 2
2.3. All concerned authorities, media and the members of public are urged to promote the use of the names of places as spelt out in the Final Delimitation Orders and electoral records in all, correspondences, orders, public information notices and sign boards. 2.4. The Dzongdags, Executive Secretary and the Gewog Administrative Officers shall be responsible in ensuring that their respective jurisdictions are conducive and congenial for the conduct of free and fair Local Government Elections 2016.
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DELIMITATION
3. Allocation of Demkhongs and Territorial Boundaries
3.1. exact number of Local Government Demkhongs shall be as in the Final Delimitation Order issued for the 205 Gewogs vide order no. DC/CHAIR/2011/1520 dated 27th of February 2011 and the names as reflected in the revised Delimitation Maps of all 205 Gewogs and 1044 Chiwogs in the Revised Atlas of the Local Government Demkhongs, 2016.
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THE ELECTION SCHEDULE
4. The Election Schedule
4.1. The conduct of the Second Local Government Elections 2016 is to be conducted in two Phases as follows:
Phase -Wise Poll Day for 2016 Elections
Phase - I 25th of January: Monday 3 Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde and Dzongkhag Thromde Thuemi elections (Thimphu, Phuentshogling & Gelegphu) Gewog Tshogde elections for 205 Gewogs in 20 Dzongkhags and Dzongkhag Thromdes elections in Phase - II 27th of September: Tuesday Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde. Note:-Details in the Annexure attached
4.2. There shall be two separate Notifications issued for the two Phases of the Local Government elections given the time period between the two Election Periods and the Poll Days. 4.3. The election schedule and tentative dates for the Local Government elections for each Phase, are as presented hereunder:
Table 2: Election Schedule of Phase-2 of the Second Local Government Elections 2016
Date and Time Remarks
- Issuance of Notification calling for Elections th 9 of August 2016 for 205 Gewog Tshogdes and Samdrup
Jongkhar Thromde Tshogde. (Tuesday) - Eligible Postal Voters to initiate application for Postal Ballot to respective Returning
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Officers. (Sending of Postal Ballot Application form to concerned Returning Officer is free of Cost initiated by Bhutan Postal Corporation Limited)
- Commencement of Zomdu for Gup and Mangmi for 205 Gewogs and Thrompon for 11th of August 2016 Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde.
(Thursday) - Commencement of the signature process by eligible persons for post of Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa or Thromde Tshogpa. - Freezing of the Electoral Roll (Section 125 of th 28 of August 2016 the Election Act 2008 authorizes temporary (Sunday) embargo on entries in the Electoral Roll for a period of thirty days before the date of poll).
31st of August 2016 - Last Date for filing of Nominations of Candidates for Gup, Mangmi, Gewog Tshogpa (Wednesday) for 205 Gewogs and Thrompon and Tshogpa of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde.
1st of September 2016 - Scrutiny of Nominations of Candidates
(Thursday) - Last date for withdrawal of Candidature rd 3 of September 2016 - Last date for receipt of Application for Postal (Saturday) Ballots by Returning Officer - Commencement of the Election Campaign - Returning Officer to initiate sending Postal Ballot to registered Postal Voters
25th of September 2016 - End of Election Campaign
(Sunday)
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26th of September 2016 - Last day/ time for receiving Postal Ballots
(Monday)
27th of September 2016 - Poll Day and Counting of Results (Tuesday) 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
28th of September 2016 - Declaration of Results & Submission of the Results to His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo (Wednesday) - Start of Election Petition Period
17th of October 2016 - Issuance of the Certificate of Election
(Monday) - End of Election Petition Period.
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ELECTION OFFICIALS
5. Media Arbitrator
5.1. A senior and a competent Officer from the public service shall be appointed as the Media Arbitrator for the Local Government Elections 2016 by the Election Commission and be vested with the authority and the responsibility to fulfill the roles and responsibilities as provided in the Electoral Laws, ECB Social Media Rules and Regulations and the Appointment Order. 5.2. The Media Arbitrator and Election Observers shall be responsible to oversee level playing field in terms of campaign advertisements and ensure no individual or group draws advantage through propaganda of Royal Patronage, Religion, Religious Personalities or resort to personal attacks or hate speeches as laid down in the Laws. 5.3. The Media Unit, headed by the Spokesperson for the Commission, shall provide all necessary support to the Media Arbitrator.
6. Chief Election Coordinators
6.1. The Dzongdags of the respective Dzongkhags shall serve as the Chief Election Coordinators responsible to ensure the participation of the electorate and coordination of different electoral stakeholders for conduct of free and fair elections and for carrying out the roles, responsibilities and duties in their respective areas as provided in the Electoral Laws and elaborated in the Appointment Orders. 6.2. The Dzongrabs/Dungpas shall serve as the Deputy Chief Election Coordinators and Gewog Administrative Officers as the Assistant Chief Election Coordinators to assist in the conduct of elections in the respective
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areas.
7. National Observers
7.1. The Election Commission shall depute senior and reliable officers selected from the public services as National Observers with at least one Observer for every four Gewogs. 7.2. A Committee of ECB Officers chaired by the Secretary of the ECB shall select and recommend a total of 58 National Observers to be appointed for the 2nd Phase of the Second Local Government Elections 2016 with due regard to the criteria under the Laws. 7.3. The Observers shall be fully accountable to monitor and report on the standard election procedures and Election Code of Conduct being followed by all responsible or involved in the electoral process. 7.4. The Observers shall be responsible to fully exercise the authority, roles and responsibilities of a National Observer as provided in the Electoral Laws, rules, regulations and, in particular, the Guidelines for National and International Observers and the Appointment Orders. 7.5. An Observer must refrain from undertaking any duty or responsibility that is not legally assigned to the post under the Laws or Orders. 7.6. An Observer shall record observations, including on the Poll Day, and prepare the Final Report as per the Format in Annexure 1.
8. Returning Officers
8.1. The Election Commission will appoint one dynamic officer selected from the public services as Returning Officer for up to four Gewogs. 8.2. The Returning Officer shall be the overall-supervisor in the actual
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conduct of elections in the respective Demkhongs. 8.3. A Returning Officer shall be vested with the authority, roles and responsibilities and fully accountable as per the provisions in the Electoral Laws, rules, regulations and the Handbook for Returning Officers and the Appointment Order issued by the Election Commission. 8.4. A Committee of ECB Officers chaired by the Secretary of the ECB shall select and recommend a total of 58 Returning Officers to be appointed for the 2nd Phase of the Second Local Government Elections 2016 giving due regard to the criteria under the Laws.
9. Presiding & Polling Officers
9.1. Returning Officers shall be responsible to appoint the Presiding and Polling Officers selected from amongst dependable and competent government officials from those working within the same Dzongkhag if available. 9.2. A Returning Officer shall ensure that Presiding and Polling Officer are appointed or their place of duty designated taking into account the minimum travel time required to reach the respective Polling Station but not earlier than three days before the day of Poll, unless otherwise required by the Election Commission. 9.3. A Presiding or Polling Officer shall be vested with the authority, roles and responsibilities and fully accountable as per the provisions in the Electoral Laws, rules, regulations and the Handbooks for Presiding and Polling Officers. 9.4. A Presiding Officer will be the overall in-charge of a polling station. 9.5. A Presiding Officer will be assisted by a team of Polling Officers in ensuring smooth polling at the polling station. 8
9.6. Returning Officers shall ensure that an alert and responsible officer is appointed as the Polling Officer III as this official has to handle the Control Units for up to three Ballot Units i.e. for Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogpa in case of Gewog Tshogde and two Control Units for Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa in case of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde.
10. Counting Supervisors & Counting Assistants
10.1. The Returning Officers shall authorize the Presiding Officer and a Polling Officer in a Polling Station to function as the Counting Supervisor and the Counting Assistant to count the results after the close of Poll. 10.2. Counting Supervisors shall be vested with the authority, roles and responsibilities as per the provisions in the Electoral Laws, rules, regulations and the Handbook for Counting Supervisor and Counting Assistants and the Appointment Order.
11. Assignment of Duty Stations
11.1. An officer considered for appointment on Election duty, be it as a National Observer, Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, Polling Officer, Counting Supervisor or Counting Assistant, must point out to the authority concerned in case he/she is being placed in the Dzongkhag where his/her Gung or Mitsi is registered for appropriate action.
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12. Dzongkhag Election Officers
12.1. The Dzongkhag Election Office and its officers shall be responsible to ensure the full preparations for the elections and during the Election Period shall assist and advice the respective Chief Election Coordinators and the Returning Officers and fully backstop the Election and Polling officials in the conduct of the 2nd Phase of the Second Local Government Elections 2016.
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SECURITY
13. Security Personnel
13.1. The Royal Bhutan Police shall be responsible to ensure a conducive and safe environment for the elec tion including the provision of security to places of and personnel on election duty during the Second Phase of the Second Local Government Elections 2016 particularly at every polling station as per the Election Security Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan. 13.2. The Royal Bhutan Police in consultation with the Dzongkhag/ Gewog authorities shall carry out an assessment of the security threat level of each Polling Station and determine the required level of security personnel including female personnel required for the security check of the female voters. 13.3. The Royal Bhutan Police shall be responsible for liaising with the Royal Bhutan Army towards provision of adequate security for the safe conduct of the Local Government Elections 2016. 13.4. The Royal Bhutan Police shall designate one senior officer as the Election Security Coordinator to liaise between the Royal Bhutan Police, the Royal Bhutan Army and the Election Commission of Bhutan. 13.5. Some officer/personnel of the Royal Bhutan Police or Royal Bhutan Army considered for election security duty must point out to the authority concerned in case he/she is being deployed in the Dzongkhag where his/her Gung or Mitsi is registered for appropriate action.
14. Security Coordination and Searches
14.1. The Election Security Focal Officers of a Dzongkhag shall work in
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close coordination and cooperation with the election officers as a team towards conducting the elections smoothly. 14.2. The local administration and or election security personnel must deal appropriately and reasonably with any sign or incidence of potential for violence or disruption at a polling station, place of counting etc. be it caused by any individual or group or natural occurrence, and the Commission intimated immediately for further advice and direction. 14.3. The Returning Officer must in collaboration with the election security personnel conduct surprise inspections of persons, vehicles and properties at entry points and within a Demkhong to prevent or check movement of unauthorized persons, documents, money, alcohol, arms and ammunitions and other restricted items.
15. Sealing of International Border
15.1. The Royal Bhutan Police shall, wherever relevant, make arrangements for the sealing of the borders for the poll period to ensure smooth conduct of the Elections.
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APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES BY CANDIDATES
16. Election Representatives
16.1. A candidate may appoint a person who meets the qualification criteria for elections to Local Government to be his/her election representative and perform functions in connection with the election as authorized under the Electoral Laws.
17. Polling and Counting Representatives
17.1. Every candidate is entitled to appoint one or more registered voters from a respective Demkhong as polling representative for each Polling Station to perform functions in connection with the election and authorized under the Electoral Laws but only one of the representatives shall be present in the Polling Station at any point of time. 17.2. A candidate or the election representative may appoint one or two polling representatives for each Polling Station, although only one representative shall be present in the polling station at any point of time to perform functions in connection with the election and authorized under the Electoral Laws. 17.3. A candidate or the election representative may appoint a counting representative to be present at the counting of votes in the Polling Stations as well as in the Counting Centers and the Counting Center setup in a Returning Officer’s jurisdiction. 17.4. A candidate may appoint a counting representative to be present at the counting of votes in the Polling Stations-cum-Counting Centers and the Counting Center setup in a Returning Officer’s jurisdiction.
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18. Requirements
18.1. The representatives shall be appointed in the manner and with the roles and responsibilities as prescribed under Chapter 13 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008. 18.2. All representatives shall abide by the Code of Conduct binding on a Candidate and shall display the identification cards issued by the Returning Officer upon acceptance as a representative of a Candidate. 18.3. No person other than a person lawfully appointed shall relay the results from a Counting Centre to the media or any third party.
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VOTER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To ensure free, fair and clean elections, it is important that not only all the stakeholders are trained, educated and informed on the system and processes as well as the changes in the rules and regulations and their roles and responsibilities but also that the electorates are informed and facilitated to take full part in the elections. Voters’ participation in the democratic and electoral processes is crucial to the success of our democracy.
19. Voter Education
In accordance with the Bhutan Electoral Education and Training Strategy (BEETS) for Local Government Elections, the EETD conducted comprehensive Training of Trainers for Voter Education in nine regions from to 14th of March to 21st of April 2016. The objective of the programme was to build a cadre of civil service officers who would act as resource persons and trainers on imparting voter education to the general public on issues and concern related to the Local Government Elections in respective Dzongkhags. The trainers were thoroughly trained on different aspects of the electoral processes for the conduct of the Local Government Elections, including the functions and mandates of local government institutions and nomination of candidates for various local government positions. Following the conduct of the ToTs for Voter Education, the respective Dzongkhags completed the conduct of first round of voter education by April 2016 except for few Dzongkhags where ToT was conducted lately due to the clash with the dates of the Dzongkhag Midterm Review. This time Voter Education was conducted in the Chiwogs level as far as possible by the trainers in their respective Dzongkhag. It has been reported that most of the voter education sessions were well attended by the voters.
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Besides the general voters of Chiwogs, the trainers also conducted the voter education for educational institutions and autonomous agencies focusing more on the procedures related to voting by post. The Second round of Voter education was conducted nationwide to familiarize the voters with the specifics of the Local Government Elections and was also effectively attended by the voters and conducted successfully in all the Dzongkhag.
20. Electoral officials Training
The Department of Civic and Electoral Training registered around 197 participants for the Electoral Officials Training which was conducted from 13th of May to 21st of May 2016. Of which, 145 participants attended and completed the Training Programme. The training programme was for three days in three batches. The participants were trained on various relevant and necessary topics for the conduct of elections. The relevant officials from the Departments and Divisions under the Election Commission of Bhutan took part in the Training Programme as Resource Persons, while the Officials under Department of Civic and Electoral Training facilitated the Programme. The Training Programme also included an additional session by the Royal Bhutan Police on the Election Security. The programme was successfully conducted under the guidance of the Hon’ble Commission.
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CONDUCT OF FUNCTIONAL LITERACY TEST (FLT)
21. Conduct of Functional Literacy Test (FLT)
21.1. One of the qualification requirements for individuals seeking nominations to contest the local government elections is to be functionally literate with adequate skills. Two rounds of functional literacy tests have been conducted nationwide prior to facilitate that maximum possible candidates to contest the elections. 21.2. The first round of FLT was conducted on 6th of December 2015 prior to the 3 Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections (Phase I). The second round of FLT was conducted on 30th of April 2016 in 205 gewogs and 17 Dzongkhag Thromdes. The third round of FLT was conducted on 19th of July 2016. 21.3. Every effort is being made to encourage and facilitate potential candidates, including the potential women candidates. 21.4. The conduct of Functional Literacy and Possession of Skill Test for Local Government Elections was made more accessible by taking the Test Centers to each of the 205 Gewog centers & Dzongkhag Thromdes along with follow-up round with Test Centers in each Dzongkhag.
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ELECTORAL ROLL AND VOTER PHOTO IDENTITY CARD (VPIC)
22. Electoral Roll
22.1. The Final Electoral Roll, which is inclusive and error-free after several rounds of verification in the field undertaken by the respective Dzongkhags, issued by the Department of Electoral Registration and Boundary Delimitation, Election Commission of Bhutan, shall be the sole document for reference on the voters’ information. 22.2. The Electoral Roll shall be based on the Demkhong-wise maps issued under the Final Delimitation Order Nos. DC/CHAIR/2010/697 dated 16th of October 2010 for Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde, DC/CHAIR/2011/1520 dated 27th of February 2011 for Gewogs and the Revised Atlas, 2016. 22.3. The Final Electoral Roll for the 205 Gewogs and Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde shall be issued as per the Schedule in the Notification calling the 2nd phase of Second Local Government Elections 2016. 22.4. The Electoral Roll shall be frozen, providing for the temporary embargo on entries in the Electoral Roll for a period of thirty days before the date of poll. 22.5. The Final Electoral Roll of a Gewog and Thromde shall be divided into Voters’ List for each Polling Station. 22.6. A copy of the final Electoral Roll for the respective Demkhong shall also be made available to the Candidates after the last date for withdrawal of Candidature.
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23. Voter Photo Identity Card (VPIC)
23.1. The Department of Electoral Registration and Boundary Delimitation and the Dzongkhag Electoral Authorities shall ensure that all Bhutanese who are eligible to be registered as voters are being given adequate opportunity to do so and are issued their individual VPIC to ensure desirable voter turnout. 23.2. The Department along-with the respective Dzongkhag Election Offices shall take the lead in the VPIC printing and distribution programme. The Dzongkhag Election Offices shall continue to distribute VPICs even up to the Poll Day.
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NOMINATION PROCEDURES
24. Gewog Tshogde Elections
24.1. An overview of the nomination procedures is graphically presented in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Overview of the Nomination Procedures for Gewog Tshogde
Candidates
Gup/Mangmi Nomination
Returning Officer
Candidates to file Nomination Papers
Selection of a nominee each for Gup/Mangmi OR Written statement from Zomdu in case of no candidate
Zomdu in each Chiwog, to be called by the respective Dzongkhag Election Authority, to select its nominee to contest elections to the post of Gup/Mangmi
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Gewog Tshogpa Nomination
Returning Officer
Candidates to file Nomination Papers
A Registered Voter interested to contest Gewog Tshogpa elections must produce signatures supporting his/her candidature as follows: (1) At least 5% of the Total Registered Voters of the Demkhong concerned (2) The above signatures must be from at least 5 different gungs (3) A voter can support only one nominee (4) A gung can also support only one nominee, but where there are not enough Gungs, the case for exception may be put up to the ECB for approval
25. Gup/Mangmi Nominations
25.1. A registered voter of a said Chiwog who fulfills the criteria as prescribed in Section 178 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 is eligible to be nominated as a candidate for election to the post of Gup or Mangmi. 25.2. A Chiwog is entitled to nominate one candidate each for the post of Gup and Mangmi respectively at the Chiwog Zomdu called for the purpose. 25.3. The candidate selected at such a Zomdu shall complete and file his/her nomination papers with the concerned Returning Officer, on or before the last date of nominations, in the prescribed forms
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duly countersigned by the responsible authorities.
26. Zomdu to select a Nominee each for Gup and Mangmi
26.1. A Chiwog Zomdu shall be held by the Dzongkhag Election Authority for the purpose of selecting not more than one Candidate from every Chiwog of that Gewog for the posts of Gup and Mangmi.
However, in the absence of any Registered Voter interested to contest, the meeting shall submit to the Dzongkhag Election Authority a Statement to that effect as in Annexure 2A (Gup) and Annexure 2B (Mangmi).
27. Gewog Tshogpa Nominations
27.1. A registered voter aspiring to contest Gewog Tshogpa elections shall produce signatures of at least 5 percent of the registered voters from the Chiwog supporting his/her nomination to the post of Gewog Tshogpa provided it is from at least 5 different Gungs and no voter or Gung has supported more than one nominee. 27.2. However, if a Chiwog has only few households with less voter population where potential Candidates are not able to fulfill the nomination requirement of signature from 5 different Gungs with no voter or Gung supporting more than one nominee, the case must be immediately forwarded to the Election Commission for its decision and necessary directives.
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28. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections
28.1. An overview of the nomination procedures is graphically presented in Figure 1
Fig. 1: Overview of the Nomination Procedures for Thromde Tshogde Candidates
Thrompon Nomination
Returning Officer
Candidates to file Nomination Papers
Selection of one nominee for Thrompon OR Written statement from Zomdu in case of no Candidate
Zomdu in each Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong, to be called by the respective Dzongkhag Election Authority, to select its nominee to contest elections to the post of Thrompon.
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Fig. 2: Overview of the Nomination Procedures for Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Candidates
Thromde Tshogpa Nomination
Returning Officer
Candidates to file Nomination Papers
Thromde Tshogpa nominees identified for each Tshogpa Demkhong
Each Registered Voter interested to contest Thromde Tshogpa elections must produce signatures supporting his/her candidature as follows: (1) At least 5% of the Total Registered Voters of the Demkhongs concerned (2) The above signatures must be from at least 5 different gungs (3) A voter can support only one nominee (4) A gung can also support only one nominee, but where there are not enough Gungs, the case for exception may be put up to the ECB for approval
29. Thrompon Candidate Nominations
29.1. A Registered Voter of a said Thromde Demkhong who fulfills the criteria laid down in section 178 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 is eligible to be nominated as a Candidate for election to the post of Thrompon. 29.2. Every Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong is entitled to nominate one
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Candidate to contest the election for Thrompon. 29.3. A Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong Zomdu will be called by the Dzongkhag Electoral Authority for the purpose of selecting a Candidate to contest in the election to the post of Thrompon. 29.4. However, in the absence of any Registered Voter interested to contest, the meeting shall submit to the Dzongkhag Election Authority a Statement to that effect as in Annexure 3C
30. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogpa Nominations
30.1. A registered voter of a said Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong who fulfills the criteria laid down as per section 178 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 is eligible to be nominated as a candidate for election to the post of Thromde Tshogpa. 30.2. A registered voter aspiring to contest Thromde Tshogpa elections shall produce signatures of at least 5 percent of the Registered Voters from the Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong supporting his/her nomination to the post of Thromde Tshogpa provided it is from at least 5 different Gungs and no voter or Gung has supported more than one nominee.
30.3. However, if a Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong has only few households with less voter population where potential Candidates are not able to fulfill the nomination requirement of signature from 5 different Gungs with no voter or Gung supporting more than one nominee, the case must be immediately forwarded to the Election Commission for its decision and necessary directives.
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31. Venue, Participation and Conduct of the Zomdus
31.1. A Zomdu for the purposes of selecting a Candidate to contest various Local Government Elections shall be called by the concerned Dzongkhag Election Authority of the Dzongkhag who shall be responsible for ensuring that the Zomdus are held in the Dzongkhag as per the Work plan and within the time period given in the Election Schedule. 31.2. The venue for a Zomdu must be centrally located for the convenience of the participation by maximum number of voters. 31.3. The venue and details must be made widely known within the concerned Demkhongs. 31.4. Participation shall be open to all Registered Voters of the concerned Demkhongs. 31.5. During the Zomdu, a Candidate shall be categorically asked on the status of every criteria required of a Candidate by the election authority so that the electorate is fully informed on the eligibility of the person aspiring to be nominated as a Candidate. 31.6. A Registered Voter present at the Zomdu shall cast his/her vote through EVM to choose the nominee as per the prescribed procedures. 31.7. The nominee who secures the highest number of votes shall be declared as the candidate eligible to contest the elections. 31.8. The proceedings of the Zomdu must be well documented and a copy submitted to the concerned Returning Officer by the convening election authorities. 31.9. The Dzongkhag Electoral Officer shall be responsible for setting up an operational polling station at places of Zomdus, along-with the Voter’s
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Lists for the concerned Demkhongs, and deputing well-bridged and competent Teams to conduct the Zomdus.
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QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF CANDIDATES, NOMINATION PAPERS, FILING OF NOMINATION AND SCRUTINY.
32. Qualification of Candidates
32.1. A person shall, as per Section 178 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, be qualified as a candidate or a member of a Local Government, if he/she is: 34.1.1 A citizen of Bhutan as evidenced by the Citizenship Identity Card; 34.1.2 A Registered Voter of that Demkhong; 34.1.3 Of the minimum age of Twenty-five (25) years and not more than maximum age of sixty-five (65) years at the time of filing the nomination; 34.1.4 Functionally literate and possess skills adequate to discharge his/her duties as evidenced by the Functional Literacy and Possession of Required Skills Certificate awarded by the Election Commission of Bhutan, except for the post of Thrompon, must possess qualification not lower than a Bachelor’s Degree awarded to him/her upon completion of a formal course of study from a University recognized by the Royal Government of Bhutan; and 34.1.5 Does not belong to any political party. 32.2. In the case of a candidate who had been a member of a political party, a copy of the resignation or removal from Party Membership as notified by the concerned party office in the print media with a copy submitted to the Election Commission in accordance with Section 206 of the Election Act 2008, attested by the Chief Training Coordinator, Training Division must be produced. 28
33. Dis-Qualification of Candidates
33.1. Care must also be taken to take into consideration the disqualifications that have been provided under Section 179 of the Election Act 2008 which provides that a person shall be disqualified as a candidate or a member holding an elective office under the Constitution, if he/she:
35.1.1 Has been convicted for any criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment (refer the Guidelines for Implementation of Sections 163-174 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 Relating to Disqualification of Nomination of Voters Convicted for Criminal Offence or Pending Criminal Charges, 2009); 35.1.2 Has been found guilty of corrupt practice at an election; 35.1.3 Has been dismissed or removed from public service or the corporate sector; 35.1.4 Has failed to lodge account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law and has no good reason or justification for the failure; 35.1.5 Has solicited or resorted to any form of fund raising for campaigning in an election to Parliament or Local Governments from private individuals or any agency. 35.1.6 Is married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan; 35.1.7 Has been accused of felony in a pending case and the competent Court has taken cognisance and charges have been framed against him/her; 35.1.8 Is in arrears of taxes or other dues to government;
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35.1.9 Has an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed; 35.1.10 Is working as a civil servant; 35.1.11 Holds any office of profit as prescribed under Chapter 9 of the Election Act; or 35.1.12 Is so disqualified under this Act (Election Act 2008).
34. Nomination Papers
34.1. The Nomination Papers submitted by the candidates for contesting the Local Government Elections 2016 must be complete and include, in the prescribed forms (as provided in this Strategy document as Annexure 3 and the Handbook for Returning Officers), the following:
36.1.1 Nomination Form and the Notice of Nomination;
36.1.2 Affidavit including Non-criminal conviction record- cum- clearance from the Court of Law;
36.1.3 Asset Declaration and if holding a taxi or small trade license, he/she shall give an undertaking as in Annexure….;
36.1.4 Special Tax Clearance Certificate;
36.1.5 Audit Clearance Certificate (online);
36.1.6 Security Clearance Certificate (online);
36.1.7 Marriage Certificate & Copy of CID, (if applicable)
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36.1.8 Certificate of Functional Literacy and Possession of Required Skills issued by the Election Commission; 36.1.9 Relieving order issued by Head of the Ministry/Department/ Agency (if applicable); 36.1.10 Letter of Attestation issued by the Election Commission of Bhutan for his/her Formal University Degree (Thrompon Candidates); and 36.1.11 A declaration by the Candidate in the prescribed form declaring that he/she is not a member of a Political Party, or has resigned his/her membership at least a year ago in the manner specified in Section 206 (d) of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 and attested by the Public Election Fund Manager. 36.1.12 Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License.
34.2. Once all these documents are obtained, a Candidate shall have the Affidavit as in Returning Officer Form No. 07 signed by the concerned Drangpon of the Dzongkhag/Dungkhag Court of Justice who shall also be responsible to check from the Court records that the aspiring candidate has not been convicted and received a sentence of imprisonment or does not have a pending criminal case registered against him/her as required under the Electoral Laws.
34.3. The Certificate of Functional Literacy and Possession of Required Skills issued by the Election Commission shall serve the purpose of Section 178 (d) of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, in the case of a Registered Voter wishing to contest elections to the post of a Gup, Mangmi, Gewog Tshogpa, or
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Thromde Tshogpa.
35. Filing of Nomination
35.1. The candidate shall complete and file with the concerned Returning Officer, on or before the last date of nomination, all the required nomination documents, as outlined in the election schedule signed and countersigned as required.
36. Scrutiny of Nominations
36.1. The scrutiny of all nominations shall be done by the respective Returning Officer on the day immediately following the last date for Filing of Nomination, in accordance with the Electoral Laws, rules and regulations while keeping the Election Commission informed on the candidatures and scrutiny.
36.2. The Returning Officer shall be responsible to maintain a fool- proof system to eliminate possibility of any candidate misrepresenting the facts.
36.3. A Returning Officer shall be held fully answerable for any lapse resulting from the lack of exercise of due diligence in the Scrutiny of the Nomination papers filed by a candidate. 36.4. In case of any doubt related to the nomination Papers, the Returning Officer shall immediately refer back to the Department of Elections and the Election Commission of Bhutan for a final decision
36.5. Assistant Returning Officer shall maintain proper record of all the 32
Nomination Papers received, scrutinized and decisions taken thereof and handover the hard copies to the respective Dzongkhag Elections Officers before leaving the duty station and completion of the assigned election duty.
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UNCONTESTED AND POSTPONED ELECTIONS
37. Uncontested Elections
37.1. In a Demkhong where there is only one candidate, an uncontested election, in accordance with Sections 575 and 576 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, will be conducted in that Demkhong.
37.2. The Ballot Paper will have the name and photograph of the candidate with the choice of “Yes” and “No”. A candidate will be elected if “Yes” votes are a majority of the total valid votes cast in the election in that Demkhong.
38. No Candidate
38.1. In a Demkhong where there is no candidate, the elections in that Demkhong shall be postponed till further notice by the Election Commission.
39. Equal Number of Votes
39.1. The Election Commission, in pursuance to Section 463 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 shall call for a Re-Election between the two Candidates securing highest number of votes in equal numbers. 39.2. In case of equality of votes at a Re-Election, the Returning Officer shall forthwith proceed with the draw of lots as provided in the and Guidelines for Implementation of Section 464.
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ELECTION CODE OF CONDUCT
40. Code of Conduct
40.1. The Election Code of Conduct shall come into force from the date of the Notifications calling for Elections issued by the Election Commission and shall continue to be in force until the completion of the election period.
40.2. The political parties and their members, in view of the non-partisan nature of the Local Governments, apart from casting their votes, shall not play any direct or indirect role in the Local Government Elections 2016.
40.3. All election officers, political parties, candidates, voters and Local Government officials must comply with the Election Code of Conduct and the provisions of the Electoral Laws, rules and regulations and guidelines.
41. Apolitical and Remaining Above Politics
41.1. Religious events involving public gathering shall be discouraged during the Election Period to ensure that the religious occasion or religion is not used for undue advantage and electoral gains.
41.2. Religious rituals such as tordog, torphang etc. will be prohibited in particular organized by the Candidates and/or their representatives and supporters.
41.3. Religious Personalities shall neither vote in the elections nor participate,
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directly or indirectly, or give grounds to reasonably construe support, opposition or dislike of any Candidate contesting the Local Government elections.
42. Civil Society Organization (CSO)
42.1. Civil Society Organizations shall not participate, directly or indirectly, or give grounds to reasonably construe support, opposition or dislike of any Candidate contesting the Local Government elections.
42.2. To observe the conduct of the Local Government elections in the country, registered Civil Society Organizations in the country must obtain necessary approval from the Election Commission of Bhutan and function as per the National and International Observer Guidelines.
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CAMPAIGN
43. Election Campaign
43.1. The campaign period for the Local Government Elections may commence as per the phases mentioned above and end 48 hours before the hour fixed for commencement of Polls on Poll Day.
43.2. A Candidate shall campaign strictly as per the Campaign Schedule prepared by him/herself and approved by the concerned Returning Officer. Any changes in the Schedule shall be only with the approval of the Returning Officer.
43.3. The campaign schedule shall be intimated to the voters through mass media and notice on the Election Advertising Boards while it must be ensured that no coercion or deterrence is exercised for attendance by the voters to the meetings.
44. Common Forums
44.1. The Returning Officer, in consultation with the respective Election Coordinators and Security Coordinator shall arrange a common forum in each Chiwog/Dzongkhag Thromde to provide the candidates of the concerned Gewog/ Thromdes equal opportunity to address the electorate. It would eliminate the necessity for the candidates to call for public meetings separately and thereby avoid inconvenience to voters of attending multiple sessions.
44.2. The sequence for the address at the Common Forum must be alphabetically assigned and equal time provided to each Candidate to
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avoid controversy and unwarranted criticism of favouring any particular Candidate. All candidate shall participate at the Common Forum as required under Section 4.5 of the Guidelines for the conduct of Common Forum for Election Campaign, 2015.
44.3. The Security Coordinator shall ensure peace at every such gathering.
44.4. No entertainment and refreshments will be allowed to be arranged by anyone for the voters gathered except for the minimal hospitality as many be organized by the Returning Officer for the Candidates.
44.5. The Common Forums shall be strictly conducted as per the Guidelines for the conduct of Common Forum for Election Campaign, 2015.
Door -to-Door Campaigns
44.6. Door-to-door campaigns or rallies are subject to the provisions of the law, code of conduct and as per the campaign schedule and use of vehicles as approved by the Returning Officer. Specifically, door-to- door campaign shall not be conducted before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Public and Party Officials not to engage in Campaign
44.7. No Minister, Member of Parliament, official or member of a political party shall campaign directly or indirectly for any candidate in the Local Government Elections.
44.8. No travels or official tours shall be undertaken by a Minister or Member of Parliament particularly to his/her Demkhong during the Election Period except to cast votes on the Poll Day if he/she
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decides not to avail the Postal Ballot facility.
44.9. Except in the capacity of an Election Official, a civil servant should not campaign or attend campaigns or political meetings.
44.10. All Banks or financial institutions will report any abnormal transaction of money, including in the account of a candidate contesting the Local Government Elections to the Election Commission.
45. Election Campaign Expenditure
45.1. A candidate for the Local Government Elections cannot exceed his/her election campaign expense beyond the ceiling fixed in Public Election Fund Act 2008, i.e. total of Nu. 50,000/-.
45.2. For this purpose, a candidate for the Local Government Elections must open, before filing in the nomination papers, an account to be called the candidate (Name) Campaign Account with any Bank licensed to operate in Bhutan, and submit the details of the same to the Returning Officer at the time of filing the nomination.
However, the Election Commission shall waive this requirement in case of the absence of banking facility in a Gewog and/or if a candidate gives a written undertaking stating that he/she does not intend to incur any expenditure for his/her election campaigning.
45.3. A candidate shall ensure that only a lump-sum amount for financing the campaign expenses, subject to the ceiling, is deposited in this campaign account.
45.4. A candidate shall spend out of the campaign account only for the 39
activities permitted as expenses for his/her election campaign under Section 77 of the Election Fund Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008.
45.5. The permissible campaign expenses are:
47.1.1 Goods and services required for direct campaign purposes only;
47.1.2 Production of ma n i f es t o , introductory l e a fl e t s or v i s i t i n g cards;
47.1.3 Hire of motor vehicles for campaign purposes or for meeting transportation cost;
47.1.4 Communication expenses such as telephone, fax and postage;
47.1.5 Stationery including revenue and legal stamps; and
47.1.6 Daily Subsistence Allowance for Election and Polling Representatives.
45.6. The offering or purchase of gift or donations for offices, individuals, business units or any organization for any other purpose is prohibited.
45.7. A candidate may authorize in writing any person to withdraw funds from the candidate’s campaign account and incur expenditure on his/her behalf.
45.8. No fresh expenses from the campaign account shall be incurred by a candidate after the closure of the campaign period.
45.9. A candidate shall maintain proper records of expenditure incurred during the elections and ensure that all the payments made are fully 40
supported by proper bills/receipts/cash memo and where such documents are not available, the candidate shall use the Public Election Fund Form-10 affixed with legal stamps on the agreement document and revenue stamps for each payment.
45.10. A candidate shall ensure that all bills including receipts, cash memo or any other supporting documents are countersigned by the respective National Observer.
46. Election Campaign Returns
46.1. A candidate must submit accounts of campaign and file Election Returns as per the prescribed procedures set out in the Guidelines for Monitoring Campaign Expenditures for Elections to Local Government 2012.
46.2. A National Observer shall also serve as the Expenditure Observer.
46.3. The Candidate or his/her Finance Representative shall submit till the last day of campaign, an expenditure statement in Public Election Fund Form-3, to the National Observer, on a weekly basis as per an agreed schedule drawn up on the expenditures incurred or authorized by them.
46.4. A National Observer shall countersign on all the expenditures statement submitted by a candidate and maintain the record in the Public Election Fund Form-11.
46.5. A candidate must file his/ her Returns of Election Expenses to the concerned Dzongkhag Electoral Office or directly to the Public Election Fund Division within thirty days of declaration of the 41
Election Result in the prescribed Form (Public Election Fund Form– 7D) along with the following supporting documents:
46.6. The list of campaign expenses incurred by the candidate (Public Election Fund Form–3) and countersigned by National Observer; and
46.7. Bank Statement of the campaign account which cannot be substituted by any other documents or statement.
46.8. The Returning Officer must inform a candidate that election campaign expense incurred by him/her and the Election Returns shall be subject to audit by the Royal Audit Authority.
47. End of Campaign Period
47.1. A candidate must stop election campaign 48 hours before the hour fixed for Commencement of Poll. 47.2. Returning Officers shall carryout random searches in conjunction with the security officials to ensure observance of the Code of Conduct and deter any undesirable activities or movements of goods.
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ELECTION CONTROL ROOMS
48. Election Control Rooms
48.1. Election Control Rooms shall be set up and maintained during the elections for the purpose of supervision, direction and monitoring the conduct of elections and to respond to any security threats or provide administrative guidance on real time basis besides receiving reports and feedback.
48.2. Election Control Rooms, set up at the RO and Central ECB levels, shall function as per the procedures set out in the Manual for Election Control Rooms.
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BALLOT PAPER
49. Photograph and Order of Names
49.1. The Returning Officer must make sure that photographs of the candidates required for the Ballot Papers are taken upon acceptance of the Nominations and the Ballots a n d printed as per the prescribed specifications.
49.2. The Returning Officer shall assign the names of the candidates on the Ballot Papers in alphabetical order.
50. Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)
50.1. EVMs for every Local Government Post shall be set ready at every Polling Station.
50.2. A spare EVM set ready shall be issued to a Polling Station where a spare EVM cannot be reached to a polling station at short notice in the event of any machine mal-function. In case of Polling Station which is not provided with a spare EVM but if a machine malfunctions it shall be immediately commissioned by the Returning Officer as per the set procedures and reached in the shortest time possible.
50.3. For Gewog Tshogde Elections, three EVMs shall be set ready in every Polling Station for recording of votes for the three posts of Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogpa. The “Standby” EVM shall be as determined for each Polling Station.
50.4. Two EVMs each for the posts of Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa 44
shall be set ready with the second set marked as “Standby” for use in case of malfunctioning of the first one at every Polling Station.
50.5. The Department of Election has worked out the distribution of the EVMs as in the Table below which also clearly indicates the number of EVMs to be kept on “Standby” mode by each Returning Officer.
Electronic Voting Machine workout for Second Local Government Election 2016 in 20 Dzongkhags
Sl. No.of EVM No.of Actual Stand by in Each Extra No functional Polling Required RO Office Total Additional in the Dzongkhag 2016 in each Station without No.of No.of to be sent Dzong Dzongkhag Standby ROs/Ge EVM as khag wogs standby 1 Bumthang 63 20 60 1/4 7 67 4 2 Chhukha 271 75 225 3/11 20 245 26 3 Dagana 190 71 213 4/14 26 239 49 4 Gasa 71 21 63 2/4 10 73 2 5 Haa 111 30 90 2/6 13 102 9 6 Lhuentse 161 41 123 2/8 15 137 24 7 Monggar 375 88 264 5/17 32 296 79 8 Paro 166 54 162 3/10 19 181 15 9 Pema Gatshel 232 60 180 3/11 20 200 32 10 Punakha 190 55 165 3/11 20 185 5 11 Samdrup 241 66+7=7 219 3/13 22 241 Jongkhar 3 12 Samtse 350 78 234 4/15 27 261 89 13 Sarpang 211 61 183 3/12 21 204 7 14 Thimphu 122 41 123 2/8 14 137 15 15 Trashigang 315 78 234 5/15 30 264 51 17 Trashi 173 43 129 2/8 14 143 30 Yangtse 16 Trongsa 84 26 78 2/5 11 89 5 18 Tsirang 192 60 180 3/12 21 201 9
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19 Wangdue 299 78 234 4/15 27 261 38 Phodrang 20 Zhemgang 180 40 120 2/8 14 134 46
Total 3997 1093 3279 58 384 3741 106 429
# One EVM for each Gewog & 3 each in each of Returning Officer's Office as Standby
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POSTAL BALLOT
51. Postal Ballot
51.1. An eligible Postal Voter, including spouses permissible under Section 331 under the Election Act 2008, must first register with the Election Commission through one’s department/agency/organization to be included in the Postal Voters’ List issued to the Returning Officers.
51.2. An eligible Postal Voter shall apply once to the Returning Officer for Postal Ballots for all the Local Government elections within the time frame as notified by the Election Commission.
51.3. The Returning Officer shall, as per the Postal Ballot Rules and Regulations, send the Ballot papers for all the Local Government posts to the Postal Voters in one single package to enable them to cast their votes for the multiple posts.
51.4. The election schedules shall provide adequate time for Registered Postal Voters to vote by post.
51.5. The Returning Officer shall send Postal Voters Instructions to every Postal Voter along with the Postal Ballot package to facilitate the voters.
51.6. The Returning Officer shall have the overall responsibility to oversee that care is taken by the officers under his/her control to avoid any confusion of the packing, dispatching, receipt and the separation of the Postal Ballot under his/her jurisdiction.
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51.7. The Returning Officer shall have the duty to ensure that care is taken to avoid any confusion of the packing, dispatching, receipt and the separation of the Postal Ballot under his/her jurisdiction.
51.8. Besides the diplomats, civil servants, Armed Forces, students and trainees, the postal ballot facility may be extended on case-by-case basis in case of Section 331(h).
51.9. Bhutan Posts shall have the full responsibility to ensure that the delivery of the Postal Ballots is carried out strictly as per the Terms and Conditions set out in the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
51.10. The Returning Officers shall ensure that all aspects of the Postal Ballots are handled and processed as specified in the Postal Ballot Rules & Regulations 2013
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POLLING STATIONS
52. Distribution of Polling Stations
52.1. There shall be at least one Polling Station in every Gewog Tshogpa Demkhong for Gewog Tshogde Elections, and Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong so that managing a Polling Station would be simple and Polls to multiple posts in the Local Governments would be conducted in a single visit to the Polling Station by a Voter.
53. Polling Stations
53.1. The List of Polling Stations for 2 nd Phase of Local Government Elections 2016 shall be as indicated in the Revised Atlas of the Local Government Demkhongs, 2016 and in the Final Electoral Roll for the Local Government Elections 2016.
53.2. There shall be a total of 1097 Polling Stations for the 2 nd Phase of Second Local Government Elections 2016.
53.3. Every Polling Station shall have in place basic amenities such as safe drinking water, first-aid, toilet facilities etc. essential for convenience of voters.
53.4. The Polling Stations where there is no acceptable government structure shall be set-up and managed by the Dzongkhags and supervised by the Department of Elections.
54. Gewog Tshogde Elections
54.1. A Polling Station in every Tshogpa Demkhong shall cater to the polling of election of Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogde Tshogpas 49
of the Gewog.
54.2. A Polling Station shall have three separate voting compartments for the posts of Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogpa so as to enable a voter to cast his/her votes in a single visit.
54.3. The Layout of a Polling Station for Gewog Tshogde Elections is proposed in Fig. 4. Fig. 4: Layout of Polling Station for Gewog Tshogde Elections
Voting Voting Voting Compartment Compartment Compartment 1 2 3 EVM 1 for EVM 2 for EVM 3 for Gup Mangmi Tshogpa
R E Polling Officer Exit P III (Security) R E S E Polling Officer N II T A T Presiding I Polling Officer Officer V I E S
Entry (Security)
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54.4. In those Demkhongs where there are candidates only for one or two posts of Gup, Mangmi or Gewog Tshogpa, the lay-out in the Polling Station shall be the same as illustrated above in Fig. 4, except there will be only one or two voting compartments for the concerned post(s) instead of all three.
55. Polling Procedure
55.1. Polling Officer I, should verify the identity of voter with reference to his/her entry in the Voters’ List and the Voter Photo Identity Card (VPIC) issued by the Election Commission and E-Roll Search System (ERSS) will be used in the Polling Station where there more registered Voters to speed up polling procedure and avoid long que in the polling station. In addition, record the gender and age groups for two hourly voter turnout reports should be maintained as per the Polling Officer Form No. 1. 55.2. Polling Officer II, should obtain the signature or thumb impression of the voter on the Register of Voters and After the signature or thumb impression of the voter has been obtained on the Register of Voters and his/her prescribed finger should be marked with the indelible ink. Thereafter, he/she must be issued a Voter’s Slip (Yellow for female voters and White for male voters) as prescribed in Presiding Officer Form No. 2 55.3. The Control Units of all the 3 EVMs shall be handled by the Polling Officer III who would be responsible for releasing each Ballot for the voter as he/she moves from one voting compartment to the next.
55.4. The Ballot for the second EVM shall be released only after the voter
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exits the first voting compartment having cast his/her vote for Gup and the Ballot for the third EVM shall be released only after the same voter exists the second voting compartment, having cast his/her vote for Mangmi.
55.5. The Polling Officer III shall release the Ballot for the next voter only after the previous voter exits the last voting compartment for the Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa.
55.6. The Presiding Officer and the Polling Assistant at every Polling Station can help those voters who still need assistance as per the Electoral Laws, rules and regulations. 55.7. The Presiding Officer, to begin the poll day once the mock poll has been completed, shall send two SMS Messages in the following format; VT
56. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections
56.1. A Polling Station in every Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde shall cater to the polling of election of Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas. 52
56.2. A Polling Station shall have two separate voting compartments for the posts of Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa so as to enable a voter to cast his/her vote for all 2 posts in a single visit to a Polling Station.
The Lay-Out of a Polling Station shall be as illustrated below in Fig. 6
Fig. 6: Proposed Layout of Polling Station for Thromde Election
Voting Voting Compartment Compartment 1 2 EVM 1 for EVM 2 for Thrompon Tshogpa
R E Polling Officer Exit P III (Security) R E S E Polling Officer N II T A T Presiding I Polling Officer Officer V I E S
Entry (Security
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57. Polling Officials
57.1. The poll shall be conducted by a minimum of five election officers, which include: 60.1.1 Presiding Officer; 60.1.2 Polling Officer I; 60.1.3 Polling Officer II; 60.1.4 Polling Officer III; and 60.1.5 Polling Assistant.
57.2. Security personnel 60.1.6 Frisking/Security checks
57.3. Posters outside Polling Station 60.3.1 Need to put up dummy ballot paper 60.3.2 Remind also to check the names and pictures are in same order as on the Ballot Unit
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POLL DAY
58. Poll Day
58.1. The Poll Day of the Second phase of the Local Government Elections 2016 shall be on 27th of September 2016.
58.2. The Hours of Polling shall be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
58.3. The Poll Days shall be declared a national holiday while organizations associated with the conduct of the Elections such as Power, Telecom etc. shall remain operational with the key personnel essential for operation being extended the privilege of postal ballot facility.
58.4. All employers, if an employee notifies before the poll that he/ she desires leave of absence for voting at any election, are required as per Section 338 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, to grant leave of absence, for reasonable period as is necessary to enable him/ her to vote at the election subject to the exceptions made in Sections 339 and 341.
58.5. No alcohol shall be permitted to be sold or served from the start of poll till counting is closed at the Counting Centers.
58.6. All shops and businesses in the constituencies where polls are being held shall remain closed on the day of polling and counting of results.
58.7. No person shall be permitted to carry firearms on the day of polling except for those on security duty.
58.8. No weapons, including a pen-knife or any sharp object excluding a
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standard walking stick shall be permitted in the Polling Station except for those required for security duty.
58.9. No one shall be allowed to carry mobile phones, cameras or any gadget that records sound or image in the Polling Station except for those whose duty requires it and as per the permission of the Returning Officer.
58.10. Media personnel authorized for coverage of elections by the Election Commission shall be allowed to enter and video-graph the Polling Station, except the coverage of voting compartment(s), for five minutes after which he/she shall be escorted out.
58.11. All persons and agencies shall be required to abide strictly by the legal provisions in the Electoral Acts and the Rules, Regulations or Notifications issued there under, also including the Permissible and Non-Permissible Activities during 48 Hours before Commencement of Poll and the Poll Day Rules, 2009
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COUNTING, CONSOLIDATION, ANNOUNCEMENT AND DECLARATION OF RESULTS
59. Polling Station and Counting Centre
59.1. The polling and counting of the election results shall take place on the same day as per the procedure adopted under the Rules and Guidelines.
59.2. The Returning Officer shall issue an Office Order instructing that Polling Stations/Booths at the close of Poll shall function as Counting Centres where the results from the EVMs used for recording the votes shall be counted.
59.3. The Returning Officer shall detail, in the Appointment Order, the Officials who shall assume the positions of Counting Supervisors and Assistant Counting Supervisors upon the close of poll and the Polling Booth becoming a Counting Centre.
59.4. Every Polling station shall have a clearly demarcated boundary within which no unauthorized persons or act prohibited activities are allowed under the electoral laws.
59.5. Any complaint alleging any untoward incident related to a poll reported by any person at the poll day and within a polling station be entertained by any election officer on duty if submitted in writing with evidence and witnesses as per the prescribed Election Complaint Form, presented as Annexure 4. 60. Counting of Votes of the Gewog Tshogde Elections
60.1. The counting and announcement of results of counting of votes in the
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election at a Chiwog shall be carried out as per the stepwise procedure directed here below:
3.1.1 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Gup shall be counted FIRST. After the counting, the results shall be recorded in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1A and 2A and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor;
3.1.2 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Mangmi shall be counted SECOND. After the counting, the results shall be recorded in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1B and 2B and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor;
3.1.3 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa shall be counted THIRD. After the counting, the Counting Supervisor shall record the result of counting in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1C and 2C and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor;
3.1.4 The Counting Supervisor shall issue to every candidate or his/her election or counting representative present, a duly authenticated true copy; and
3.1.5 The Counting Supervisor shall thereafter transmit the results of the three elections i.e. Gup, Mangmi, and Tshogpa for Gewogs and Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa for Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Thromde to the respective RO as per procedures through hardcopy and simultaneously the EVM results shall be sent to the SMS Gateway 1919 using the below prescribed SMS format; RE
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60.2. The graphical presentation of the process of result counting in the Chiwog Counting Centres is as presented in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7: Counting of Results in the Chiwog Polling Stations
FIRST
Count Record results in Form No. Gup Seal EVM EVM EVM – 1A and 2A
FOURTH
SECOND
Counting Supervisor to transmit Results to RO Record results Count in the following order: in Form No. Mangmi Seal EVM 1. Gup Results EVM EVM - 1B and 2. Mangmi Results 2B 3. Gewog Tshogpa Results
THIRD
Count Record results
Gewog in Form No. Seal EVM Tshogpa EVM – 1C and EVM 2C
61. Consolidation of Results: Gewog Tshogde
61.1. The consolidation of results of the election of the Gewog Tshogde must be carried out as per the stepwise procedure directed here below: 61.2. The RO shall count the Postal Ballots received for the election of Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogpa, and enter the results in Form N o . Postal B a l l o t – 3A, 3 B a n d 3 C respectively and also update the same information
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on the web based user interface using the credentials provided.
61.3. The RO shall compile the results received from all the Polling Booths in the Chiwogs under his/her jurisdiction in Form No. Electronic Voting Machine 2A, 2B and 2C for Gup, Mangmi and Gewog Tshogpa respectively and transmit the final results of the elections to the Result Center, Head Office, Thimphu through hardcopy.
61.4. The graphical presentation of the process of consolidating the Gewog Tshogde Election results by the Returning Officer (RO) is as presented in Fig. 8. Fig. 8: Consolidation of Results by the RO of a Gewog Tshogde
Elections
FIRST
Record results THIRD Count FOURTH Postal in Postal Ballots Ballot Form Add Postal No. – 3A, 3B Ballot and EVM RO to transmit Results Results in Form to Central Results
No. Final Result Center in the following Sheet - 4A, 4B order: and 4C. 1. Gup SECOND 2. Mangmi Ensure that Announce the 3. Gewog Tshogde results are Receive Results Tshogpa EVM Results recorded in from Polling Form No. Booths/ EVM – 2A, 2B Stations and 2C
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62. Counting of Votes of the Dzongkhag Thromde Elections
62.1. The counting and announcement of results of counting of votes in the election of the Dzongkhag Thromde shall be carried out as per the stepwise procedure directed here below:
61.1.1 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Thrompon shall be counted FIRST. After the counting, the results shall be recorded in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1D and 2D and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor;
61.1.2 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Thromde Tshogpa shall be counted SECOND. After the counting, the Counting Supervisor shall announce the result of counting and record the same in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1E and 2E and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor;
61.1.3 The EVMs used for casting votes for the post of Thromde Thuemi shall be counted THIRD. After the counting, the Counting Supervisor shall announce the result of counting and record the same in the Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 1G and 2G and the EVMs sealed as per procedure by the respective Counting Supervisor; 61.1.4 The Counting Supervisor shall issue to every Candidate or his/her election or counting representative present, a duly authenticated true copy of the Result Sheet; and
61.1.5 The Counting Supervisor shall thereafter transmit the results of the elections to the posts of Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa to the respective Returning Officer as per procedure through hardcopy and 61
simultaneously the EVM results shall be sent to the SMS Gateway 1919 using the below prescribed SMS format; RE
62.2. The graphical presentation of the process of result counting in the Counting Centers is as presented in Fig. 11:
Fig. 11: Counting of Votes in the Dzongkhag Thromde Polling Station(s)/Counting Centre(s)
FIRST
Announce & Count Record results in Thrompon Form No. EVM - Seal EVM EVM 1D and 2D
THIRD
SECOND
Counting Supervisor to
transmit Results to RO in the Announce & Count following order: Record results in Thromde Form No. EVM - Seal EVM 1. Thrompon Results Tshogpa 1E and 2E 2. Tshogpa Results EVM
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63. Consolidation of Results
63.1. The consolidation of results of the election of the Dzongkhag Thromde must be carried out as per the step-wise procedure directed here below:
62.1.1 The Returning Officer shall count the Postal Ballots received for the election of Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas and enter the results in Form No. Postal Ballot – 3D & 3E respectively.
62.1.2 The Returning Officer shall compile the results received from all the Polling Booths in the Dzongkhag Thromde under his/her jurisdiction in Result Sheet Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 2D & 2E for Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas; and
62.1.3 The Returning Officer shall consolidate the Postal Ballot Result and the EVM Result in Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4D & 4E for Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas accordingly and transmit to Central Results Center through hardcopy.
63.2. The graphical presentation of the process of consolidating the Dzongkhag Thromde Election results by the Returning Officer is as presented in Fig. 5:
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Fig. 5: Consolidation of Results by the RO of a Dzongkhag Thromde
FIRST
Count Record results in THIRD FOURTH Postal Postal Ballot Form Ballots No. – 3D & 3E Add Postal Ballot & EVM RO to transmit Results to Results in Form No. Central Results Center in the Final Result Sheet – following order: 4D & 4E. 1. Thrompon Results 2. Thromde Tshogpa Results SECOND Announce the Results
Receive EVM Ensure that results Results from are recorded in Polling Booths/ Form No. EVM – Stations 2D & 2E
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64. Announcement of Results
64.1. The Returning Officer shall announce the name of the candidate who has secured the highest number of valid votes in a Demkhong during the polls in that Demkhong to the Local Government concerned as per Form No. Announcement – 5A, 5B, 5C, 5 D a n d 5E for Gup, Mangmi, Gewog Tshogpa, Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpa, respectively.
64.2. The Returning Officer shall transmit a duly authenticated copy of the Announcement Forms (Form No. Announcement – 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E) to t Central Results Center of the Election Commission.
64.3. The Returning Officer shall publish the result of the Poll Count as per the Form No. Announcement – 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D & 5E.
64.4. The Election Commission shall declare by notification the names of the elected candidates to the Local Government offices and grant the Certificate of Election to the successful candidates in the prescribed Certificate of Election to Elected Candidate.
64.5. The process of announcement of the Local Government Results is graphically presented in Fig. 13.
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Fig. 13: Announcement of Results
RO to Announce Candidate with most votes as the: Ensure results
Receive Final are recorded in 1. Gup, Mangmi and Tshogpa Results from Form No. of respective Gewogs. Presiding Announcement 2. Thrompon and Thromde Tshogpas. Officer – 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E
RO to transmit Results to ECB
ECB to declare names of ECB to grant Certificate the winning candidates of Election to successful by Public Notification Candidate
64.6. The Returning Officer shall also put up on the Notice Board, the results as announced, for reference by the general public.
64.7. A Candidate or his/her representative shall be advised not to communicate the result of counting or election to any other person including media prior to the formal declaration by a competent authority.
65. Overview of the Process
65.1. The overall process of counting, consolidation, announcement and declaration of the results of the Local Government Elections 2016 is graphically presented in Fig. 14.
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Fig. 14: Overview of the Process of Counting, Consolidation, Announcement and Declaration of the Results of the Local Government
Counting at Counting Centres
Count Record Transmit EVM results in Seal EVM Results to Prescribed Results Forms RO
Consolidation by RO
Add Postal Receive EVM Record Ballot and Results from Count EVM Results Counting the Postal in the Centres R esults Prescribed Ballots
Form
Announce ment by RO
Announce Transmit Results to ECB Result of Count
Notification and Issue of Certificate by ECB
1. Declare results through Notification
2. Award Certificate to those Elected
66. List of Forms
66.1. The Forms necessary in the process of counting, consolidation, announcement and declaration of the results of the Local Government
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Elections 2016 are included in the List of Forms (Annexure 6) and include the following:
66.2. Result Sheet Form for Counting of EVM Results by Counting Supervisors at the Counting Centres:
(1) Gup - Form No. EVM-2A
(2) Mangmi - Form No. EVM-2B
(3) Gewog Tshogpa - Form No. EVM-2C
(4) Thrompon - Form No. EVM-2D
(5) Thromde Tshogpa - Form No. EVM-2E
66.3. Result Sheet Form for Postal Ballot Results by Returning Officer:
(1) Gup - Form No. Postal Ballot-3A
(2) Mangmi - Form No. Postal Ballot-3B
(3) Gewog Tshogpa - Form No. Postal Ballot-3C
(4) Thrompon - Form No. Postal Ballot-3D
(5) Thromde Tshogpa - Form No. Postal Ballot-3E
66.4. EVM Results by Returning Officer
Same as for Counting Supervisors at the Counting Centres
66.5. Result Sheet Form for Consolidation of Results by Returning Officer (EVM + Postal Ballot Results): 68
(1) Gup - Form No. Final Result Sheet-4A
(2) Mangmi - Form No. Final Result Sheet-4B
(3) Gewog Tshogpa - Form No. Final Result Sheet-4C
(4) Thrompon - Form No. Final Result Sheet-4D
(5) Thromde Tshogpa - Form No. Final Result Sheet-4E
66.6. Election Announcement Form by the Returning Officer:
(1) Gup - Form No. Announcement - 5A
(2) Mangmi - Form No. Announcement - 5B
(3) Gewog Tshogpa - Form No. Announcement - 5C
(4) Thrompon - Form No. Announcement – 5D
(5) Thromde Tshogpa - Form No. Announcement - 5E
66.7. Form for Publication of the Election Result (by Returning Officer) - Same as the Announcement i.e. Form No. Announcement - 5A, 5B, 5C,5D and 5E,.
66.8. Notification of the names of the winning candidates to the Local Government offices (by the Election Commission).
66.9. Certificate of Election to Successful Candidate (by the Election Commission): 65.9.1 Gup
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65.9.2 Mangmi 65.9.3 Gewog Tshogpa 65.9.4 Thrompon 65.9.5 Thromde Tshogpa
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COMMUNICATION PLAN
67. Communication Plan
67.1. The Bhutan Election Directory 2016 shall facilitate effective communications during the elections. Communications would be vital for the relaying of the results as well as periodic reporting by polling teams to the respective Control Rooms. The procedures to be followed are as outlined in the Control Room Manual, 2013, Handbook for Returning Officer, Handbook for Presiding Officer and Handbook for Counting Supervisors.
67.2. Communications for those Polling Stations and Counting Centres with no cellular or land-line telephone network coverage shall be as per the specific communication plan developed for each Centre by the Department of Elections, Election Commission of Bhutan.
67.3. The Election Commission shall provide a list of government vehicles in working condition to each Dzongkhag Electoral Authorities.
67.4. The respective Dzongkhags shall also maintain information of private vehicles, should the need arise for the mobilization of such vehicles.
67.5. Public transport arrangements for voters to travel to and from Polling Stations and Constituencies shall be made by the RSTA in accordance with Public Transport for Elections Regulations, 2012.
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DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
68. Election Disputes and Complaints
68.1. An election complaint must:
67.1.1 Indicate a clear case of controversy related to election that is in breach of the Electoral Laws and the ground for complaint; 67.1.2 Contain material facts;
67.1.3 State the names of the Parties/ Candidates/ individuals against whom the complaint is filed;
67.1.4 Be signed by the petitioner with address and contact details; and
67.1.5 Be in writing.
67.1.6 The prescribed Election Complaint Form is as presented in Annexure 5.
67.1.7 An election complaint may be lodged to:
67.1.8 Chief Election Commissioner;
67.1.9 Chief Election Coordinator;
67.1.10 National Observer; or
67.1.11 Returning Officer.
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68.2. Under Section 27.1 of the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations any election complaint during the Local Government elections shall be made to the Chief Election Coordinator.
68.3. The Returning Officer and National Observer shall immediately forward any complaint received by him/her to the Chief Election Coordinator.
However, in case of an allegation concerning the Chief Election Coordinator, the case must be directly forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner.
68.4. A Central Election Dispute Settlement Body (CEDSB) a n d t he respective Dzongkhag Election Dispute Settlement Body (DEDSB) shall be appointed for the Local Government Elections 2016.
68.5. The functions of the Election Dispute Settlement Bodies are to direct an Investigation Committee for further investigation of the complaint relating to an election; hear investigation report of the Committee and arguments of the Parties and give a reasoned decision; and provide legal advice on the issues relating to election dispute as may be referred to by the election officials from time to time.
68.6. The Dzongkhag Election Dispute Settlement Body (DEDSB) shall investigate, hear and decide promptly on cases referred to it by the Chief Election Commissioner or the Chief Election Coordinator. 73
68.7. The procedure for investigation, decision and appeal shall be similar to the procedures for the cases related to the Parliamentary elections, as laid down under the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations 2015.
68.8. The Central Election Dispute Settlement Body (CEDSB) shall investigate, hear and decide on cases of grave nature and any case that could not be resolved at the Dzongkhag level or appealed from thereof.
68.9. The Election Dispute Settlement Bodies shall be generally guided by the Electoral Laws and in particular by the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations, 2016 and the Manual for the Settlement of Election Disputes 2016.
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POST-POLL ACTIVITIES
69. Storage of EVMs and other Election Materials
69.1. The Returning Officer shall ensure that all the used EVMs and Postal Ballots are stored as per procedure for the duration of the Petition Period.
69.2. The Returning Officer shall have the overall responsibility to oversee that care is taken by the officers under his/her control in the packing, dispatching, receipt and safe storage of the EVMs used or otherwise at all times.
69.3. An EVM shall not be left unattended, uncared or left with a person who is not an election official appointed by a competent authority at all times.
70. Issue of Certificate of Election
70.1. The Election Commission shall issue the Certificate of Election to the winning Candidates.
71. Relieving Officers from Election Duty
71.1. Election Officers appointed on election duty shall be deemed to have completed their duty once their Relieving Orders are issued.
72. Submission of Accounts by Candidates
72.1. The Public Election Fund Division, supported by the Dzongkhag Electoral Offices shall receive the Campaign Accounts of Candidates within a month from the Poll Day and accordingly carry out the
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necessary scrutiny and review of the accounts.
73. Submission of Report by Observers
73.1. The National Observers shall submit their Report for their respective Demkhongs to the Election Commission at the end of the elections.
74. Strategy for the Conduct of Learning from Experience Programme (LEP) of the Second Local Government Elections 2016
Introduction As free and fair elections now and in future are central to a functional democracy, the ECB is leaving no stone unturned to ensure it. Just as the conduct of the first phase of the LG elections to the three Thromde Tshogdes of Gelegphu, Phuentshogling and Thimphu in January 2016 was successful; the ECB is confident that the upcoming 2nd Phase of the LG Elections 2016 would also be equally successful. With the hope that the future conduct of elections in Bhutan is enhanced and improved, the ECB reviews the system and processes after completion of every Parliamentary and Local Government Elections. Towards this the ECB shall undertake the process to review and learn from the experiences through the conduct of the Learning from Experience Programme (LEP) 2016. The LEP is expected to serves as a post-poll analytical framework of the Second LG Elections 2016. The programme shall be undertaken to assess and evaluate how the election machinery, the processes and procedures, the electoral laws and by-laws, and if and how the strategies for the conduct of the elections employed served the intended purposes. The programme shall at the same time identify the area of
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improvements for the conduct of elections in the country in future. In the process, the programme shall seek to share unique and varying experiences and lessons learned by the election officials deputed with various responsibilities in terms of what worked as well as what didn’t. The suggestions and recommendations for improvements shall be documented with the goal of further strengthening the electoral management system and ensure better conduct of elections at all levels. 1. Background i) Section 36 (b) of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 provides power to the Election Commission of Bhutan to conduct research on electoral matters that relate to its function. Accordingly, the ECB proposes to start the LEP 2016 process right after second phase of the LG Elections is completed. 2. Goal The goal of the LEP 2016 is aimed to: i) Further strengthen the electoral management system and ensure better conduct of elections at all levels by Learning from Experience of the 2nd LG Election. 3. Objectives The LEP 2016 shall serve to: i) Learn from the lessons and actual experiences of the election officials as well as all stakeholders involved in the conduct of LG Elections 2016; ii) Carry out critical analysis on the conduct of elections and identify, from the experiences and point of views of the election stakeholders, the strengths, weaknesses and problem areas in the electoral system and process; iii) Recommend improvements in the electoral laws and adjustments in systems, processes, procedures and administrative arrangements; and
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iv) Provide inputs for development and undertaking of comprehensive appropriate voter and civic education programme based on the need to enhance meaningful participation of electorates and general public in both Parliamentary and Local Government Elections. 4. Strategy The LEP 2016 shall be undertaken through the following means: i) Returning Officers to receive feedback from the Polling Team when they report back after the Polls. The ROs shall also report on their own insights and experiences as noted in the Diary provided at the Plenary Session. ii) National and Micro Observers report on their insights and experience weekly and at the end of election. iii) Dzongkhag Electoral Officers to get feedback from the various Election Coordinators, Dzongkhag Media, Dzongkhag Election Security Focal Person, Dzongkhag Post Office as well as their own insights. They are also responsible to collect the feedback as per the prescribed Forms from Gewogs, reports of GAOs and candidates (elected and not elected) and some voters. GAOs will be responsible to get feedback from the Candidates and Voters and hand over to the DzEOs. iv) Plenary session in Thimphu for the Returning Officers and Observers soon after the election and other identified stakeholders including the national media to share experiences and reflect on what worked, what didn’t and their suggestions for future improvement of elections. v) Election Diary will be given to relevant election officials to maintain day- to-day report on election activities focusing on what worked/what didn’t and suggestions for improvement. a. Consolidated Review Report The Election Commission of Bhutan shall review and consolidate all the
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written reports submitted by the National Observers and the Returning Officers and the 20 Dzongkhag Electoral Officers as well as the reports from the media. The review shall mainly focus on what worked, what didn’t, what are the key issues and recommendations for future improvements. b. Feedback Sessions i. An interactive Plenary Session shall be arranged with the ROs in Thimphu (National Level) in the form of a workshop. The respective officials must come fully prepared for meaningful session with the Commission with all information and feedback from Polling Teams. ii. A short interactive session in the Dzongkhag will be carried out by the ROs with the polling teams as and when they arrive for handing taking of EVMs. The reports from the polling teams and their own insights must be presented in the plenary session with the ECB. Similar session with Observers will be carried out before ROs’ session. iii. Dzongkhag Electoral Officers will report for plenary session with the ECB separately with full compilation of feedback collected from the Election Coordinators, Dzongkhag Media, Bhutan Post and the reports from the GAOs and make presentation. iv. An interactive session will also be arranged for National Election Security Officers, Media, Media Arbitrator and other relevant stakeholders. v. During the Plenary Session; i) The election officials shall dwell on three critical questions as reflected in election diary: what worked’, ‘what did not’, ‘Suggestions and recommendation’ etc on each and every aspect of election activities, identified as broad indicative area.
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ii) Come up with meaningful recommendations to address the identified problems and build on the strengths; and iii) Review and assess the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders/participants in the conduct of the elections. vi. Prior to the National level plenary session, the PPCD shall compile all the reports collected during the course of the elections from different stakeholders as well as the weekly report from the Observer. The key highlights of the report will be presented during the plenary session.
Implementation of Plenary Session Considering the broad indicative areas for collection of feedback from the stakeholders based on their actual field experiences, the Policy and Planning Coordination Division shall be responsible for: i. Preparation of the agenda; ii. Drafting the design of the Plenary Workshop and the Implementation Plan with Facilitation Teams; and iii. Overall documentation and preparing the draft LEP Report. The LEP exercise shall be concluded with the launch of the LEP Report and the implementation plan on 16th of January 2017 at the 5th ECB Conference. 5. Conclusion The ECB looks forward to the Second LG Elections in free, fair and democratic manner with highest level of integrity. It is hoped that the LEP for second LG elections 2016 will contribute significantly towards generating new ideas through active discussion and discover appropriate solutions and strategies that could help in strengthening the existing electoral system and processes, and provide directions for better conduct of elections in the future and in particular towards the 3rd Parliamentary Election in 2018. The LEP is also hoped to provide
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meaningful inputs for developing and undertaking comprehensive voter and civic education programmes for enhanced participation of all Bhutanese in elections and democratic processes.
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BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS
75. Budgetary Outlay
The Royal Government has provided an overall budget of Nu. 275 million as estimated by the Election Commission to conduct the 2nd Phase of the Second Local Government Elections 2016.
76. Accounts
76.1 Appointed dedicate accountant in each Dzongkhag. 76.2 As per FRR 2009 and Guidelines for Maintenance of Financial Records and Accounts for an Election in the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2015, the budget approved for the conduct of Election under Election Commission of Bhutan shall be advanced to the 20 Dzongkhag’s, RBP and RBA as deposit work. “Deposit Work” means a work or service, the execution of which has been entrusted by the Commission to another budgetary agency including the twenty Dzongkhag Administration, Royal Bhutan Police and Royal Bhutan Army.
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ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE 1A
Outline for a National Observer’s Report on Activities of a Candidate during the Local Government Elections 2016
Besides observation of the process and procedures related to the Elections, the National Observers are also required to report on the compliance to the Electoral Laws by the candidates.
In order that voters are clear about their rights to vote in an informed and unhindered manner, the National Observers are required to submit reports on activities of the Candidates including such activities that may cause or have caused inconveniences to voters and candidates for effective participation in the Local Government Elections.
The Election Commission intends that this Outline will help you in objective and accurate reporting on activities of the Candidates.
Care must be taken not to divulge the content of your report to any unauthorized personnel.
1. Activity or Activities
[Please specify and explain in detail the specific nature of each activity including the general campaign and the door-to-door campaigning and in particular the involvement of political parties and their members. Also, describe whether any laws were violated by commission or omission of an act. Be specific to mention if
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the activity or activities were observed first-hand, reported to you or to any of the electoral officers in writing or orally, found out while looking for more details on other activities or reported in the media. Please specify the extent of seriousness of effects on the voters and to the election processes, especially the right to vote in a free and fair manner and the secrecy of Vote]
2. Names of Candidates Involved
[Please list down candidate or candidates, political party or parties that were involved]
3. Verifiable Evidences
[Please mention, list down and attach the evidences available, if any. Evidences could be materials used in conduct of activity or activities, recordings (audio and visual) or undertakings]
4. Statements of Witnesses
[Please attach copies or transcripts of the statements made by witnesses, if any, on the purported activity or activities]
5. Actions Taken by Authorities
[Please list down and give details of actions taken. Also, specify if preventive measures were taken to reduce occurrence of such activity or activities including actions taken upon by Dzongkhag and Gewog Administrations, Returning or and Assistant Returning Officers and other Electoral Officers]
6. Recommended Actions to be Taken
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[Please recommend actions to be taken depending on the seriousness of each activity. Note that the final decision to take actions will be decided by the Election Commission]
7. Report on the weekly expenditure reports of Candidates
[Please report whether the Candidates in your respective Demkhongs have filed their weekly expenditure reports with you]
NB: All the points and events reported must be as self-conclusive as possible with specific mention of time, place and details of persons associated or involved. Where the infraction of laws and rules are reported these should also be quoted for ease and correctness of expected actions to be taken on the observations.
Please note that a copy of the report must be submitted to the Election Commission and the concerned Returning Officer, while the original should be part of the National Observer’s Main Report.
*
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ANNEXURE 1B Polling Station Observation Report
(Use as Annexure to the Observer’s Main Report)
Polling Polling Station Name Polling Station Code Constituency Station A
Observer Name
Mrs./Mr./Dr.
Time (Visiting Hour) Arrival Hour : Min Departure Hour : Min (24 Hour Clock)
Voters When did the Polling Station Hour : Min Open? (If observed)
No. Registered Voters No. Voters Voters No. Voters Hour : Min Voters having voted counted at B
Irregularities Did you observe any of the following problems/irregularities? observed by you Circumstances 1. Intimidation of voters Yes No C 2. Agitation/unrest Yes No
3. Campaigning at Polling Station Yes No
4. Had voting been suspended at any Yes No time?
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Procedures 1. Identification checked against Voters’ Yes No
List
2. Voters produced VPIC Yes No 3. Voters signed the Voters’ Register Yes No 4. Indelible Ink applied properly on voters 5. Secrecy of Ballot Unit maintained Yes No 6. Illiterate/handicapped voters assisted Yes No properly Yes No 7. Polling Reps. maintained decorum Yes No 8. Insufficient or wrong voting materials Yes No 9. EVM securely sealed by RO and PO
10. Other problems Yes No
11. Time taken to process one voter? Yes No
Overall In general, the conduct of Very Good Bad Very D Impression the Poll at this Polling Good bad Station
General remarks about voting process A
Voters B
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Irregularities observed by you C Nature of problems/irregularities observed:
Was anybody Yes No No Yes 1. Lack of proper documents refused the 2. Not in the Voter List right to vote? 3. Other reason Yes No
Yes No
Please, indicate an overall opinion as to circumstances, followed procedures and comprehension
Very good Very bad Don’t know
Circumstances
Very good Ver y bad Don’t know
Procedure followed
Very good Very bad Don’t know Voters understanding of voting process
Overall Impression
D 1. Did the PO provide Presiding Yes No Don’t know Officer (PO) information on request? E
2. Was the PO acting Yes No Don’t know impartially?
3. Were all members of the PO Yes No Don’t know involved in the process?
4. Was your presence as Yes No Don’t know Observer accepted by the
PO?
5. Other Problems Yes No Don’t know
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Names of Representatives
People Present Representatives of Yes 1 Party/Candidates F present 2
3
4
5
No
Don’t know
1. National Other Observers Present Not present Don’t know people present 2. International
Observers Present Not present Don’t know
3. Unauthorized Present Not present Don’t know people
Did you speak to? National Observer/International Observers
Representatives of the Parties/Candidates
Media representatives
Unauthorized People
Voters
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Did the Party/Candidate Representatives or National
Observers indicate any Yes, many Yes, a few No G problems?
Security Present Not present Don’t know measures 1. Security Personnel present inside station
2. Security Personnel present outside Present Not present Don’t know station
3. Did you feel the quality of the Yes No Don’t know security measures was good?
Presiding Officer (PO) E
People Present F
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Security measures G
Disruptions during the day
1. Disruptions outside polling station Yes No Don’t know
2. Disruptions inside polling station Yes No Don’t know
3. Has voting been suspended Yes No Don’t know
4. Other Problems Yes No Don’t know
Dated: ………………………………… Signature
*
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ANNEXURE 1C
Outline for the Main Report of National
Observers Name of Elections:
1. Background
[Please specify and provide information with regard to your appointment and geographical jurisdiction for the election observation]
2. The Electoral Administration
[Please specify and explain in detail the system and procedures in place for conduct of elections in your Constituency, and the arrangements made for the conduct of free and fair elections. Review and report on the manner of the public election fund released, postal ballot handling, the election advertising and media sponsorship provisions implemented]
3. Voter and Civic Education
[Please provide details as to how prepared the voters were to objectively vote in the elections and the level of information dissemination with regard to Candidates, electoral process, etc.]
4. Voter Registration
[Please provide details with regard to the extent of voter registration and preparedness to vote in elections in your Constituency. Also,
provide details of any inclusion or exclusion made to the Electoral Roll] 92
5. Candidates and/or Political Parties
[Please provide profiles of Candidates involved contesting elections in your Constituency or Dzongkhag. Provide details of activities carried out by them over the entire election cycle or period. Include observatory report on conduct of the candidate financial management practices and systems as per the format prescribed. Please be vigilant and report any irregularities and electoral malpractices observed and in particular the involvement of political parties and their members]
6. Election Security
[Please provide an account of the security arrangements and security provided to the polling teams, election materials and secured storerooms as well as the voter in general such that every voter felt safe and secure to turn out to vote freely in the polling station was maintained. Any untoward incidences including coercion, intimidation or threat to voters and polling officials that took place must be reported as appropriate and completely to enable effective actions to be taken]
7. Media
[Please provide an account of the conduct of the media personnel, media’s coverage in the entire election cycle or period and also report any violation of the electoral laws and cases of evident partial reporting and coverage. Media also includes foreign media agencies and personnel]
93
8. Election Observation
[This part forms the crux of the entire report and therefore should be specified in detail to include observations during the pre-campaign period, campaign period, the poll day and post poll observations including counting and declaration of results. The observations of the poll day must be based on facts and observations made and recorded in the Polling Station Observation Report maintained for each polling station covered by you. Please provide an account of the voter turn-out and the behavior of the conduct of general voter, the level of voter enthusiasm and satisfaction of the process, environment and election administration]
9. Conclusions
[Please provide an account of the general understanding gained from observation of the elections and how well the elections were conducted, the shortcomings and inadequacies. You could include any action that were taken by you or any action taken by concerned authority based on your on- the-spot recommendations and suggestions.]
10. Recommendations
[Please recommend changes and improvements needed in the conduct of future elections and delivery of electoral services including any further actions that are necessary to be taken by the Election Commission or any other authorities of the Royal Government]
94
NB: All the points and event reported must be as self-conclusive as possible with specific mention of time, place and details of persons associated or involved. Where the infraction of laws and rules are reported these should also be quoted for ease and correctness of expected actions to be taken on the observations.
The observations of the Micro Observers must be incorporated into the Main Report submitted Post-Poll.
*
95
ANNEXURE 2A
Nomination Form No.6A
Statement Declaring No Nominee (Gup)
This is to declare that, during the Zomdu held on ……………………… (date) for nomination of a Candidate for the post of Gup, no Registered Voter was interested to contest the election from …………………….…… Chiwog of ………………………….. Gewog.
In testimony of the above and in full knowledge of the fact that appropriate actions may be taken as per the provisions of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 if any dispute arises, we, hereby, give our signatures below:
Sl. Signature/ Right Name VPIC No. No. Thumb Impression
(Use additional sheet if necessary)
(Countersigned by Team Leader) Dzongkhag Election Authority Date: …………………………
96
ANNEXURE 2B Nomination Form No.6B
Statement Declaring No Nominee (Mangmi)
This is to declare that, during the Zomdu held on …………………… (date) for nomination of a Candidate for the post of Mangmi, no Registered Voter was interested to c o n t e s t t h e e l e c t i o n f r o m … ……………. …..…… Chiwog of ………………………..... Gewog.
In testimony of the above and in full knowledge of the fact that appropriate actions may be taken as per the provisions of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 if any dispute arises, we, hereby, give our signatures below:
Sl. Signature/ Right Name VPIC No. No. Thumb Impression
(Use additional sheet if necessary)
(Countersigned by Team Leader) Dzongkhag Election Authority Date: ………………………
97
ANNEXURE 2C
Nomination Form No.6C Statement Declaring No Nominee (Thrompon)
This is to declare that, during the Zomdu held on …………………… (date) for nomination of a Candidate for the post of Thrompon, no Registered Voter was interested to c o n t e s t t h e e l e c t i o n f r o m … ……………. …..…… Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong of ……………………….... Dzongkhag Thromde.
In testimony of the above and in full knowledge of the fact that appropriate actions may be taken as per the provisions of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 if any dispute arises, we, hereby, give our signatures below:
Sl. Signature/ Right Name VPIC No. No. Thumb Impression
(Use additional sheet if necessary)
(Countersigned by Team Leader) Dzongkhag Election Authority Date: …………………………
98
ANNEXURE 3 Returning Officer Form No. 5A NOMINATION PAPER FOR CONTESTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
(GEWOG TSHOGDE - GUP)
I hereby submit my nomination to contest the Gup Election in …………………………….. Gewog Tshogde of ……………...………. Dzongkhag as the Candidate of ………………………. Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My nomination was decided as a result of receiving maximum vote recorded on the EVM at the Zomdu convened specifically for this purpose on ……/.…/……./ at ……………………………………. Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My details are as furnished hereunder: i) Name : ii) Date of Birth : iii) VPIC No. : iv) Functional Literacy Certificate (Original Copy Attached) : v) Asset Declaration Form (Attached) : vi) Name of Spouse : vii) CID Card No. of Spouse (Copy Attached) : viii) Security Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) ix) Tax Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) x) Audit Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xi) Marriage Certificate : xii) Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License:
I hereby attest that I:
1) Have not been accused of felony in a pending case and no Court has taken cognizance and charges framed against me;
99
2) Have not been dismissed or recovered or removed from public service;
3) Have not failed to lodge account of election expenses as required by law;
4) Have not solicited to any form of fund raising for campaigning from any sources prohibited by law;
5) Do not have an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed;
6) Am not married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan;
7) Am not in arrears of taxes or other dues to governments;
8) Am not working as a civil servant; or
9) Do not hold any office of profit;
10) Does not belong to any political party; and
11) Have contested in previous elections and have lodged account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law.
Legal Name: Signature: Stamp
Place: Dated: ……/..… /…….
(To be filled by the Returning Officer)
Serial No. of Nomination Paper …………………………………..
This Nomination Paper was delivered to me at my office at ………………….. (hour) on ……………………………………………. (date) by the candidate.
All nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at …………………………. (hour) on ……/.…/……. (date) at ………………………………(place).
Dated: ……/.…/…….
Returning Officer 100
Returning Officer Form No. 5B
NOMINATION PAPER FOR CONTESTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
(GEWOG TSHOGDE - MANGMI)
I hereby submit my nomination to contest the Mangmi Election in …………………………….. Gewog Tshogde of ……………...………. Dzongkhag as the Candidate of ………………………. Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My nomination was decided as a result of receiving maximum vote recorded on the EVM at the Zomdu convened specifically for this purpose on ……/.…/……./ at ……………………………………. Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My details are as furnished hereunder: i) Name : ii) Date of Birth : iii) VPIC No. : iv) Functional Literacy Certificate (Original Copy Attached) : v) Asset Declaration Form (Attached) : vi) Name of Spouse : vii) CID Card No. of Spouse (Copy Attached) : viii) Security Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) ix) Tax Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) x) Audit Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xi) Marriage Certificate : xii) Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License
I hereby attest that I:
1) Have not been accused of felony in a pending case and no Court has taken cognizance and charges framed against me; 101
2) Have not been dismissed or recovered or removed from public service;
3) Have not failed to lodge account of election expenses as required by law;
4) Have not solicited to any form of fund raising for campaigning from any sources prohibited by law;
5) Do not have an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed;
6) Am not married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan;
7) Am not in arrears of taxes or other dues to governments;
8) Am not working as a civil servant; or
9) Do not hold any office of profit;
10) Does not belong to any political party; and
11) Have contested in previous elections and have lodged account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law.
Legal Name: Signature: Stamp
Place: Dated: ……/..… /…….
(To be filled by the Returning Officer)
Serial No. of Nomination Paper …………………………………..
This Nomination Paper was delivered to me at my office at ………………….. (hour) on ……………………………………………. (date) by the candidate.
All nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at …………………………. (hour) on ……/.…/……. (date) at ………………………………(place).
Dated: ……/.…/…….
Returning Officer 102
Returning Officer Form No. 5C
NOMINATION PAPER FOR CONTESTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
(GEWOG TSHOGDE - TSHOGPA)
I hereby submit my nomination to contest the Tshogpa Election in …………………………….. Gewog Tshogde of ……………...………. Dzongkhag as the Candidate of………………………. Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My details are as furnished hereunder: i) Name : ii) Date of Birth : iii) VPIC No. : iv) Functional Literacy Certificate (Original Copy Attached) : v) Asset Declaration Form (Attached) : vi) Name of Spouse : vii) CID Card No. of Spouse (Copy Attached) : viii) Security Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) ix) Tax Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) x) Audit Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xi) Marriage Certificate : xii) Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License
I hereby attest that I:
1) Have not been accused of felony in a pending case and no Court has taken cognizance and charges framed against me;
103
2) Have not been dismissed or recovered or removed from public service;
3) Have not failed to lodge account of election expenses as required by law;
4) Have not solicited to any form of fund raising for campaigning from any sources prohibited by law;
5) Do not have an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed;
6) Am not married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan;
7) Am not in arrears of taxes or other dues to governments;
8) Am not working as a civil servant; or
9) Do not hold any office of profit;
10) Does not belong to any political party; and
11) Have contested in previous elections and have lodged account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law.
Legal Name: Signature: Stamp
Place: Dated: ……/..… /…….
(To be filled by the Returning Officer)
Serial No. of Nomination Paper …………………………………..
This Nomination Paper was delivered to me at my office at ………………….. (hour) on ……………………………………………. (date) by the candidate.
All nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at …………………………. (hour) on ……/.…/……. (date) at ………………………………(place).
Dated: ……/.…/…….
Returning Officer 104
Form No. Returning Officer – 5D
NOMINATION PAPER FOR CONTESTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
(DZONGKHAG THROMDE TSHOGDE - THROMPON)
I hereby submit my nomination to contest the Thrompon Election in …………………………….. Dzongkhag Thromde of ……………...………. Dzongkhag as the Candidate of ………………………. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My nomination was decided as a result of receiving maximum vote recorded on the EVM at the Zomdu convened specifically for this purpose on ……/.…/……. / at ……………………………………. Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My details are as furnished hereunder: i) Name : ii) Date of Birth : iii) VPIC No. : iv) Village : v) Letter of Attestation of Formal University Degree (Original Copy Attached) : vi) Asset Declaration Form (Attached) : vii) Name of Spouse : viii) CID card No. of Spouse (Copy Attached) : ix) Security Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) x) Tax Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xi) Audit Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xii) Marriage Certificate : xiii) Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License
I hereby attest that I:
105
1) Have not been accused of felony in a pending case and no Court has taken cognizance and charges framed against me;
2) Have not been dismissed or recovered or removed from public service;
3) Have not failed to lodge account of election expenses as required by law;
4) Have not solicited to any form of fund raising for campaigning from any sources prohibited by law;
5) Do not have an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed;
6) Am not married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan;
7) Am not in arrears of taxes or other dues to governments;
8) Am not working as a civil servant; or
9) Do not hold any office of profit;
10) Have contested in previous elections and have lodged account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law.
Dated: ……/.…/……. Name:
Legal Place: Signature: Stamp
______(To be filled by the Returning Officer)
Serial No. of Nomination Paper …………………………………..
This Nomination Paper was delivered to me at my office at ………………….. (hour) on ……………………………………………. (date) by the candidate.
All nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at …………………………. (hour) on ……/.…/……. (date) at ………………………………(place).
Dated: ……/.…/…….
Returning Officer
106
Returning Officer Form No. 5E
NOMINATION PAPER FOR CONTESTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
(DZONGKHAG THROMDE TSHOGDE - TSHOGPA)
I hereby submit my nomination to contest the Tshogpa Election in …………………………….. Thromde Tshogde of ……………...………. Dzongkhag as the Candidate of ………………………. Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong.
My details are as furnished hereunder: i) Name : ii) Date of Birth : iii) VPIC No. : iv) Functional Literacy Certificate (Original Copy Attached) : v) Asset Declaration Form (Attached) : vi) Name of Spouse : vii) CID Card No. of Spouse (Copy Attached) : viii) Security Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) ix) Tax Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) x) Audit Clearance Certificate : (Original Copy Attached) xi) Marriage Certificate : xii) Undertaking form for Trade/Professional Driving License
I hereby attest that I:
1) Have not been accused of felony in a pending case and no Court has taken cognizance and charges framed against me;
107
2) Have not been dismissed or recovered or removed from public service;
3) Have not failed to lodge account of election expenses as required by law;
4) Have not solicited to any form of fund raising for campaigning from any sources prohibited by law;
5) Do not have an existing contract with the government which has not been fully performed;
6) Am not married to a person who is not a citizen of Bhutan;
7) Am not in arrears of taxes or other dues to governments;
8) Am not working as a civil servant; or
9) Do not hold any office of profit;
10) Does not belong to any political party; and
11) Have contested in previous elections and have lodged account of election expenses within the time and in the manner required by law.
Legal Name: Signature: Stamp
Place: Dated: ……/..… /…….
(To be filled by the Returning Officer)
Serial No. of Nomination Paper …………………………………..
This Nomination Paper was delivered to me at my office at ………………….. (hour) on ……………………………………………. (date) by the candidate.
All nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at …………………………. (hour) on ……/.…/……. (date) at ………………………………(place).
Dated: ……/.…/…….
Returning Officer 108
Returning Officer Form No. 1A
NOTICE OF NOMINATION OF A CANDIDATE
The ………………………………… Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong, hereby, nominates Mr. /Ms...... to contest in the Local Government Elections for the post of Gup of the …………………………….……... Gewog Tshogde under …………………….…. Dzongkhag.
The above-mentioned Candidate bears Voter Photo Identity Card No. ………………… and is enrolled in the Electoral Roll of that Demkhong.
I, hereby, issue this Notice as the Team Leader of the Dzongkhag Election Authority responsible for the conduct of the ………………………………………………… Chiwog Zomdu held on …../…../…... (date) to select the Candidate.
Signature:
Name: Date:
Designation: Place:
109
Returning Officer Form No. 1B
NOTICE OF NOMINATION OF A CANDIDATE
The ………………………………… Gewog Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong, hereby, nominates Mr. /Ms...... to contest in the Local Government Elections for the post of Mangmi of the …………………………….……... Gewog Tshogde under ……………………………..…. Dzongkhag.
The above-mentioned Candidate bears Voter Photo Identity Card No. ………………… and is enrolled in the Electoral Roll of that Demkhong.
I, hereby, issue this Notice as the Team Leader of the Dzongkhag Election Authority responsible for the conduct of the ………………………………………………..… Chiwog Zomdu held on …../…../…... (date) to select the Candidate.
Signature:
Name: Date:
Designation: Place:
110
Returning Officer Form No. 1D
NOTICE OF NOMINATION OF A CANDIDATE
The ………………………………… Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong hereby nominate Mr./Ms...... to contest in the Local Government Elections for the post of Thrompon of the …………………………….……... Dzongkhag Thromde under …………………….…. Dzongkhag.
The above-mentioned Candidate bears Voter Photo Identity Card No. ………………… and is borne in the Electoral Roll of that Demkhong.
I hereby issue this Notice as the Team Leader of the Dzongkhag Election Authority responsible for the conduct of the ………………………… Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong Zomdu held on …../…../…... (date) to select the Candidate.
Signature: Name: Date: Designation: Place:
111
RO. From No. 1G Signature Process Form for Gewog/Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogpa Candidates
Candidate Name:
VPIC No:
Demkhong/Chiwog:
Sl.No Name VPIC Gung/House. No Singature
I hereby declare that the above signatures are obtained from the signatories on their own free will. In case any information is found incorrect/forcefully obtained, I assume full responsibility thereof and shall be liable for prosecutions as per the Laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan
Dated………./……../……2016 Signature/Thumb Impression
Legal Stamp
112
ANNEXURE 4
Election Complaint Form To Chief Election Commissioner/ Chief Election Coordinator/ National Observer/ Returning Officer
………………………………….. Demkhong ………………………..... Dzongkhag
I, Mr./ Ms. …………………………….…………, bearing Voter Photo Identity Card (VPIC)/ Citizenship Identity Card number …………………… of ……………………………………………………… (permanent address) would like to lodge, under Rule 9.3 of the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations 2009, a complaint related to the ………………………… elections in ……………………… Thromde/ Gewog of ………………………… Dzongkhag.
The details of the complaint are as follows:
1. Case of controversy;
2. The legal provision of the Electoral Laws which has been/ is being breached and is the ground for complaint;
3. All material facts of the case (e.g. place, date, time, identification and details of witnesses, cause of action, documentary and/or other physical evidence etc.); and
4. Names of the Parties/Candidates/individuals against whom the complaint is filed.
113
I hereby, in testimony of the above and in full knowledge that appropriate action can be taken under the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, put my signature here-below:
……………………………………………………….. (Name of Petitioner) (Present Residential/ Work Address and Telephone Number) This must be signed by the petitioner with proper address and contact details
Date: …………………………
…………………………………………………….. (Name of Receiver), (Designation of Receiver) Election Complaint Receiving Authority
Date Received: …………………………
114
Election Dispute Settlement Form No. 10
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY ELECTION DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BODY MEMBERS
Case No: Date: Name of Complainant: Name of Accused(s): Brief description of complaint
Do you have any conflict of interests with the above case? (tick one) Yes No Describe nature of conflict of interests
I have read and understood the conflict of interest provision enshrined in the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 and stand by the above declaration.
Signature of Member: Date:
Chairperson (CEDSB/DEDSB)
115
Election Dispute Settlement Form No.11A
Seizure List – General Items (In the exercise of the power conferred under section 37 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan read along with sections 180 and 181 of the Civil and Criminal Procedure code of Bhutan 2001)
------Case No. Place
------Search order (tick one): Yes/No Date Time Search order ref: ______
Articles seized from: Mr./Mrs./Ms. ------
Details of Articles seized: Sl. No. Description of articles Quantity Remarks
------
Name & Sig. of person from whom seized: Name & Sig. of officer conducting seize: Name: ______Name: ______
Signature:______Signature: ______
Name & Sig. of witnesses: 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______116
Election Dispute Settlement Form No. 11B
Seizure List – Computer Based Items (Hardware) (In the exercise of the power conferred under section 37 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan read along with sections 180 and 181 of the Civil and Criminal Procedure code of Bhutan 2001)
------Case No. Place
------Search order (tick one): Yes/No Date Time Search order ref: ______
Articles seized from: Mr./Mrs./Ms.------
Details of Articles seized: Sl. Items Manufacturer Model Serial No. Condition Remarks (any No. (Desktops, (Good/Damaged/Not information related to the Storage item such as passwords) devices/Media, known) etc.)
Name & Sig. of person from whom seized: Name & Sig. of officer conducting seize: Name: ______Name: ______
Signature:______Signature: ______
Name & Sig. of witnesses: 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______117
Election Dispute Settlement Form No. 11C
Seizure List – Computer Based Items(Software) (In the exercise of the power conferred under section 37 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan read along with sections 180 and 181 of the Civil and Criminal Procedure code of Bhutan 2001)
------Case No. Place
------Search order (tick one): Yes/No Date Time Search order ref: ______
E-mails seized from: Mr./Mrs./Ms.------
Details of E-mails seized: Email address Password No. of mails (standard folders)
Inbox Sent Draft Trash Spam
Note: Attach a screenshot of the Inbox Name & Sig. of person from whom seized: Name & Sig. of officer conducting seize: Name: ______Name: ______
Signature:______Signature: ______
Witnesses: ______
118
Election Dispute Settlement Form No. 12A
Office Order for Investigation CEDSB/2016/… Dated: …/…/… The following Members of the Investigation Committee shall investigate the case pertaining to ………… as per Rule 11 of the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2015 and the Electoral Laws: 1. ……………………….Legal Officer; 2. ………………………Gewog Administrative Officer,.………….Gewog; and 3. ……………….…..….Dzongkhag Electoral Officer
The Team shall conduct the investigation expeditiously and take all required necessary actions including reporting back to the CEDSB latest by …………….. The concerned individuals and agencies are required to extend full support and cooperation to the team.
( ) Chairperson CEDSB
119
Election Dispute Settlement Form No. 12 B
Office Order for Investigation DEDSB/2016/… Dated: …/…/… The following Members of the Dzongkhag Election Dispute Settlement Body shall investigate the case pertaining to ………… as per Rule 11 of the Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2015 and the Electoral Laws: 1. ……………………….Legal Officer; 2. ………………………Gewog Administrative Officer,.………….Gewog; and 3. ……………………….Dzongkhag Electoral Officer
The Team shall conduct the investigation expeditiously and take all required necessary actions including reporting back to the DEDSB latest by …………….. The concerned individuals and agencies are required to extend full support and cooperation to the team.
( ) Chairperson DEDSB
120
ANNEXURE 5 Electronic Voting Machine Form No. 1A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
…………………………………………………. GEWOG TSHOGDE
(Gup) To The Returning Officer
……………………………………………….. Dzongkhag
Subject: Summary Report on Votes Polled as per section 15.2 of the EVM Rules and Regulations
Sl. No. Particulars Number Total number of Registered Voters as per the Voter's List (PO-1) Male Female Total 1
Total number of votes polled as per the Voter's List (PO- 1) Male Female Total 2
3 Total number of votes polled as per Register of Voters (PO-2)
4 Total number of votes polled as per Voter's Slips (PO-3)
5 Total number of Provisional Vote Declaration Forms received (PO-1)
6 Total number of Provisional Votes cast (if any) (PO-1)
7 Total number of votes polled as per EVM (PO-3)
Name of Polling Station: …………………………... Name: …………………………………..
Polling Station Code: ……………Seal & Signature of Presiding Officer Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Polling Representative
1. …………………………………………. 2 …………………………………………….
3. …………………………… 4. ………………………………………..
121
Electronic Voting Machine Form No. 1B
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
…………………………………………………. GEWOG TSHOGDE
(Mangmi)
To The Returning Officer
……………………………………………….. Dzongkhag
Subject: Summary Report on Votes Polled as per section 15.2 of the EVM Rules and Regulations
Sl. No. Particulars Number Total number of Registered Voters as per the Voter's List (PO-1) Male Female Total 1
Total number of votes polled as per the Voter's List (PO- 1) Male Female Total 2
3 Total number of votes polled as per Register of Voters (PO-2)
4 Total number of votes polled as per Voter's Slips (PO-3)
5 Total number of Provisional Vote Declaration Forms received (PO-1)
6 Total number of Provisional Votes cast (if any) (PO-1)
7 Total number of votes polled as per EVM (PO-3)
Name of Polling Station: …………………………..Name: …………………………………..
Polling Station Code: ………………………Seal & Signature of Presiding Officer Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Polling Representatives:
1. …………………………… 2. ………………………………………..
3. …………………………… 4. ………………………………………..
122
Electronic Voting Machine Form No. 1C
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
…………………………………………………. GEWOG TSHOGDE
(Tshogpa)
To The Returning Officer
……………………………………………….. Dzongkhag
Subject: Summary Report on Votes Polled as per section 15.2 of the EVM Rules and Regulations
Sl. No. Particulars Number Total number of Registered Voters as per the Voter's List (PO-1) Male Female Total 1
Total number of votes polled as per the Voter's List (PO- 1) Male Female Total 2
3 Total number of votes polled as per Register of Voters (PO-2)
4 Total number of votes polled as per Voter's Slips (PO-3)
5 Total number of Provisional Vote Declaration Forms received (PO-1)
6 Total number of Provisional Votes cast (if any) (PO-1)
7 Total number of votes polled as per EVM (PO-3)
Name of Polling Station: ………………………….Name: …………………………………..
Polling Station Code: ……………………Seal & Signature of Presiding Officer Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Polling Representatives:
1. …………………………… 2. ………………………………………..
3. …………………………… 4. ………………………………………..
123
Electronic Voting Machine Form No. 1D
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
………………………………………………….DZONGKHAG THROMDE TSHOGDE
(Thrompon )
To The Returning Officer
……………………………………………….. Dzongkhag
Subject: Summary Report on Votes Polled as per section 15.2 of the EVM Rules and Regulations
Sl. No. Particulars Number Total number of Registered Voters as per the Voter's List (PO-1) Male Female Total 1
Total number of votes polled as per the Voter's List (PO- 1) Male Female Total 2
3 Total number of votes polled as per Register of Voters (PO-2)
4 Total number of votes polled as per Voter's Slips (PO-3)
5 Total number of Provisional Vote Declaration Forms received (PO-1)
6 Total number of Provisional Votes cast (if any) (PO-1)
7 Total number of votes polled as per EVM (PO-3)
Name of Polling Station: …………………………..Name: …………………………………..
Polling Station Code: ………………………Seal & Signature of Presiding Officer Date:
……/……/………
Signature of Polling Representatives:
1. …………………………… 2. ………………………………………..
3. …………………………… 4. ………………………………………..
124
Electronic Voting Machine Form No. 1E
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
………………………………………………….DZONGKHAG THROMDE TSHOGDE
(Tshogpa)
To The Returning Officer
……………………………………………….. Dzongkhag
Subject: Summary Report on Votes Polled as per section 15.2 of the EVM Rules and Regulations
Sl. No. Particulars Number Total number of Registered Voters as per the Voter's List (PO-1) Male Female Total 1
Total number of votes polled as per the Voter's List (PO- 1) Male Female Total 2
3 Total number of votes polled as per Register of Voters (PO-2)
4 Total number of votes polled as per Voter's Slips (PO-3)
5 Total number of Provisional Vote Declaration Forms received (PO-1)
6 Total number of Provisional Votes cast (if any) (PO-1)
7 Total number of votes polled as per EVM (PO-3)
Name of Polling Station: ………………… .Name: …………………………………..
Polling Station Code: ……………………Seal & Signature of Presiding Officer Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Polling Representatives:
1. …………………………… 2. ………………………………………..
3. …………………………… 4. ………………………………………..
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 2A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE
(Gup)
POLLING STATION/COUNTING CENTRE EVM RESUL
SHEET
Name of Polling Station: …………………………………………………….
Polling Station Code: ………………………………………. Gewog: ……………………………………….
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………………………………
Sl. Provisional Votes Total Votes Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (if any) as per EVM
Name: …………………………………………….. Name: …………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Signature of Counting Assistant
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. …………………………………… 2. ………………………………………….
3. …………………………………… 4. ………………………………………….
Seal and Signature of Assistant Returning Officer (upon receipt)
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 2B LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Mangmi)
POLLING STATION/COUNTING CENTRE EVM RESULT
SHEET
Name of Polling Station: ………………………………………………………..
Polling Station Code: …………………………………… Gewog: ………………………………………..
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………………………………
Sl. Provisional Votes Total Votes Secured as No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (if any) per EVM
Name: …………………………………………….. Name: …………………………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Signature of Counting Assistant
Date: ……/……../……….Date: ……/……../………..
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. …………………………………... 2. ……………………………………………
3. …………………………………... 4. …………………………………………….
Seal and Signature of Assistant Returning Officer (upon receipt)
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 2C
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Tshogpa)
POLLING STATION/COUNTING CENTRE EVM RESULT SHEET
Name of Polling Station: ……………………………………………………
Polling Station Code: ……………………………….. Chiwog: ……………………………………………
Gewog: ……………………………………………. Dzongkhag: ……………………………………….
Sl. Provisional Votes Total Votes Secured as No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (if any) per EVM
Name: …………………………………………….. Name: …………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Signature of Counting Assistant
Date: ……/….../……. Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. …………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. …………………………………… 4. …………………………………………
Seal and Signature of Assistant Returning Officer (upon receipt)
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
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Form No. Electronic Voting Machine –2D
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE (Thrompon)
POLLING STATION/COUNTING CENTRE EVM RESULT
SHEET
Name of Polling Station: …………………………………………………….
Polling Station Code: ………………………………Thromde Demkhong: ……………………………………….
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………………………………
Sl. Provisional Votes Total Votes Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (if any) as per EVM
Name: ……………………………….. Name: …………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Signature of Counting Assistant
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. …………………………………… 2. ………………………………………….
3. …………………………………… 4. ………………………………………….
Seal and Signature of Assistant Returning Officer (upon receipt)
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Electronic Voting Machine – 2E
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE (Tshogpa)
POLLING STATION/COUNTING CENTRE EVM RESULT SHEET
Name of Polling Station: ……………………………………………………
Polling Station Code: ………………………………..Thromde Demkhong: ……………………………………………
Dzongkhag: ……………………………………….
Sl. Provisional Votes Total Votes Secured as No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (if any) per EVM
Name: ………………………………… Name: …………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Signature of Counting Assistant
Date: ……/….../……. Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. …………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. …………………………………… 4. …………………………………………
Seal and Signature of Returning Officer (upon receipt) ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
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Form No. Postal Ballot – 3A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Gup)
POSTAL BALLOT RESULT SHEET
Gewog : ………………………………………………………….
Dzognkhag: …………………………………………………………………….
Sl. No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. Total Postal Votes Secured
Total Applications Received: ………………………… Total Postal Ballots Issued: ……………………….
Total Ballots Received: ……………………………….. Total Invalid Received:
Name: ………………………………….…... Name: ……………………………………….
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………….. 2. ……………………………………………
3. ………………………………………. 4. …………………………………………….
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN Form No. Postal Ballot – 3B
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Mangmi )
POSTAL BALLOT RESULT SHEET
Gewog : …………………………………………………………
Dzognkhag : ……………………………………………………………..
Sl No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. Total Postal Votes Secured
Total Applications Received: ………………………… Total Postal Ballots Issued: …………………….
Total Ballots Received: ……………………………… Total Invalid Received: ………………………..
Name: ………………………………………. Name: …………………………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Returning Officer
Date: ……/……../……….. Date: ……/……../………..
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ………………………………………. 2. …………………………………………
3. ………………………………………... 4. ………………………………………….
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Form No. Postal Ballot – 3C LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Tshogpa)
POSTAL BALLOT RESULT SHEET
Chiwog : ………………………………………………………
Gewog : ………………………………………………………
Dzognkhag : ………………………………………………..…….
Sl No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. Total Postal Votes Secured
Total Applications Received: …………………………… Total Postal Ballots Issued: ………………………….
Total Ballots Received: …………………………………. Total Invalid Received: …………………………….
Name: …………………………………….. Name: ………………………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/…… Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ………………………………………... 2. ……………………………………………
3. ……………………………………….. 4. …………………………………………….
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Form No. Postal Ballot – 3
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE (Thrompon)
POSTAL BALLOT RESULT SHEET
Thromde Demkhong : ………………………………………………………….
Dzognkhag : …………………………………………………………
Sl. No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. Total Postal Votes Secured
Total Applications Received: ………………………… Total Postal Ballots Issued: ……………………….
Total Ballots Received: ……………………………….. Total Invalid Received:
Name: ………………………………….…... Name: …………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………….. 2. ……………………………………………
3. ………………………………………. 4. …………………………………………….
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ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Postal Ballot – 3E
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE (Tshogpa )
POSTAL BALLOT RESULT SHEET
Thromde Demkhong: ………………………………………
Dzognkhag: ………………………………………………..…….
Sl No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. Total Postal Votes Secured
Total Applications Received: …………………………… Total Postal Ballots Issued: ………………………….
Total Ballots Received: …………………………………. Total Invalid Received: …………………………….
Name: …………………………………….. Name: ………………………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/…… Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ………………………………………... 2. ……………………………………………
3. ……………………………………….. 4. ……………………………………………
135
ECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4A
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Gup)
CONSOLIDATION OF EVM & POSTAL BALLOT RESULTS
Gewog: …………………………………………………………….
Dzongkhag: ………………………………………………………………
Votes Secured Votes Secured as Total No. of Votes Sl as per EVM per Postal Ballot Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (A) (B) (A+B)
Name: ……………………………………. Name: ……………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Assistant Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. ……………………………………… 4. …………………………………………
136
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4B LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Mangmi )
CONSOLIDATION OF EVM & POSTAL BALLOT RESULTS
Gewog: …………………………………………………………….
Dzongkhag: ……………………………………………………………..
Votes Secured Votes Secured as Total No. of Votes Sl as per EVM per Postal Ballot Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (A) (B) (A+B)
Name: …………………………………….. Name: …………………………………………
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Assistant Returning Officer
Date: ……/……../……….. Date: ……/……../………..
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………... 2. ……………………………………………
3. ……………………………………... 4. ……………………………………………..
137
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTA Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4C
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE (Tshogpa )
CONSOLIDATION OF EVM & POSTAL BALLOT RESULTS
Chiwog: ……………………………………………
Gewog: …………………………………………………..
Dzongkhag: ……………………………………………………
Votes Secured Votes Secured as per Total No. of Votes Sl. as per EVM Postal Ballot Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (A) (B) (A+B)
Name: ………………………………….. Name: …………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Assistant Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/…… Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. ……………………………………... 4. …………………………………………
138
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4D
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE (Thrompon)
CONSOLIDATION OF EVM & POSTAL BALLOT RESULTS
Thromde Demkhong :
……………………………………… Dzognkhag :
………………………………………………..…….
Votes Secured Votes Secured as Total No. of Votes Sl as per EVM per Postal Ballot Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (A) (B) (A+B)
Name: ……………………………………. Name: ……………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Assistant Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/……… Date: ……/……/………
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. ……………………………………… 4. …………………………………………
139
LECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
Form No. Final Result Sheet – 4E
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
THROMDE TSHOGDE ( Tshogpa )
CONSOLIDATION OF EVM & POSTAL BALLOT RESULTS
Thromde Demkhong: ……………………………………
Dzognkhag: ……………………………………………..…….
Votes Secured Votes Secured as per Total No. of Votes Sl. as per EVM Postal Ballot Secured No. Name of Candidate VPIC No. (A) (B) (A+B)
Name: ………………………………….. Name: …………………………………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor Seal & Signature of Assistant Returning Officer
Date: ……/……/…… Date: ……/……/……
Signature of Counting Representatives:
1. ……………………………………… 2. …………………………………………
3. ……………………………………... 4. …………………………………………
140
MISSION OF BHUTANAN Form No. Announcement – 5A
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
GEWOG TSHOGDE
(Gup)
Dzongkhag: ……………………………………………………..
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Elections: ……/……/………
I, ………………………………………………, being the Returning Officer for the
………………………………… Gewog/Demkhong under ……………………………… Dzongkhag, do hereby under Section 461 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said Election is as follows: Number of Voters (if elected Votes Votes Secured as the word ‘ELECTED’ Name of Candidate VPIC No. Secured as per Postal Ballot appear against the number per EVM of votes) …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. …………………………
And I do hereby declare that ……………………………………….. is duly elected for the post of Gup from ………………………………….. Gewog/Demkhong.
Dated: ……/……/……… Returning Officer
141
Form No. Announcement – 5B ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS GEWOG TSHOGDE (Mangmi)
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………….
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Elections: ……/……../………..
I, …………………………………….…………, being the Returning Officer for the
………………………………… Gewog/Demkhong under ……………………………… Dzongkhag, do hereby under Section 461 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said Election is as follows: Number of Voters (if elected Votes Votes Secured as the word ‘ELECTED’ Name of Candidate VPIC No. Secured as per Postal Ballot appear against the number per EVM of votes) …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. …………………………
And I do hereby declare that ………………………………… is duly elected for the post of
Mangmi from …………………………………. Gewog/Demkhong.
Dated: ……/……../……….. Returning Officer
142
Form No. Announcement – 5C
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS GEWOG TSHOGDE (Tshogpa)
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………….
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Elections: ……/……../………..
I, …………………………………….…………, being the Returning Officer for the
………………………………… Gewog/Demkhong under ……………………………… Dzongkhag, do hereby under Section 461 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said Election is as follows: Number of Voters (if elected Votes Votes Secured as the word ‘ELECTED’ Name of Candidate VPIC No. Secured as per Postal Ballot appear against the number per EVM of votes) …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. …………………………
And I do hereby declare that ………………………………… is duly elected for the post of
Tshogpa from …………………………………. Chiwog/Demkhong.
Dated: ……/……../……….. Returning Officer
143
Form No. Announcement – 5D
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
DZONGKHAG TSHOGDE
(Thrompon)
Dzongkhag: ……………………………………………………..
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Elections: ……/……/………
I, ………………………………………………, being the Returning Officer for the
………………………………… Dzongkhag Thromde under ……………………………… Dzongkhag, do hereby under Section 461 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said Election is as follows: Number of Voters (if elected Votes Votes Secured as the word ‘ELECTED’ Name of Candidate VPIC No. Secured as per Postal Ballot appear against the number per EVM of votes) …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. …………………………
And I do hereby declare that ……………………………………….. is duly elected for the post of Thrompon from ………………………………….. Dzongkhag Thromde.
Dated: ……/……/……… Returning Officer
144
Form No. Announcement – 5E
ELECTION COMMISSION OF BHUTAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS THROMDE TSHOGDE (Thromde Tshogpa)
Dzongkhag: …………………………………………….
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF POLL
Date of Elections: ……/……../………..
I, …………………………………….…………, being the Returning Officer for the
…………………………………………. Thromde Tshogde Tshogpa Demkhong under
……………………………Dzongkhag, do hereby under Section 461 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 give notice that the number of votes recorded for each Candidate at the said Election is as follows: Number of Voters (if elected Votes Votes Secured as the word ‘ELECTED’ Name of Candidate VPIC No. Secured as per Postal Ballot appear against the number per EVM of votes) …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. ……………………….. …………… ……… ………… ……………. …………………………
And I do hereby declare that ………………………………… is duly elected for the post of
Thromde Tshogpa from …………………………………. Thromde Tshogpa Demkhong.
Dated: ……/……../……….. Returning Officer
145
Returning Officer Form No. 14
To,
Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan Election Commission of Bhutan Thimphu
Sub: CLEARANCE FOR ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT
Total valid Valid votes Valid votes Number Any unusual How many How many votes polled polled by polled by the of request features complaints complaints the second for were found received dealt? Returned candidate in recount during the candidate percentage counting of votes
Your recommendations: ......
Name of Demkhong: ………………………….. Name: ( )
Polling Station No.: ………………….. Seal & Sig. of Returning Officer
Date: …………………………..
146
Returning Officer Form No. 15 Provisional Vote Form (Sample)
(Ballot Paper for Provisional Voter as the Section 367 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan)
DZONGKHAG/ Demkhong : ELECTION TO:
POLLING STATION NAME: CODE NO.
Cast your vote by marking a tick (√ ) against the Candidate of your choice in the Blank Square Box provided below :
To be arranged as the Ballot Paper on the EVM
པ䞨་ ᭼ས་སྒྲོན་ ར蝼་རྗེ། Pema Choden Dorji
དཀར་མ་ 坴ན་ཚོགས་ བཀ쭲ས། Karma Phuentsho Tashi
After marking the vote secretly, please put it in the Ballot Box/Provisional Votes Envelope
147
Post Box No.: 2008, Thimphu: Bhutan
334851, 334852 (PABX), 334762 (EA to CEC), Fax: 334763
Website: www.election-bhutan.org.bt E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
148