Thursday 7 February 2008

Prisoners entitled to postal ballot

February 7: The Election Commission of Bhutan has issued VPIC to prisoners who are eligible to vote. There are 496 prisoners who are eligible to vote. 13 prisoners were issued postal ballot in the last National Council election.

The Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kunzang Wangdi says except for prisoners who have committed treason, all the other prisoners who are 18 years and above are eligible to vote. This he said is because under the constitution, every Bhutanese have the right to take part in the democratic processes. “But prisoners who are guilty of treason and violation of national security will not be allowed to vote as it is against the principal of constitution, said the Chief Election Commissioner.

The Election Commission is currently working together with Dzongkhag officials and Royal Bhutan Police to set up boards where the campaign material will be pasted in the prison compounds in the country.

The prisoners are also briefed on the voters right and voting procedures

http://www.bbs.com.bt/

No comments: