Background
The Civic and Electoral Education Division (CEED) of the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) is responsible for promoting civic awareness, voter knowledge and meaningful participation in Bhutan’s democratic and electoral processes.
The Division works to ensure that citizens are informed, and engaged to understand their rights and responsibilities, participate responsibly in elections, and contribute to strengthening democratic values and institutions.
Strength of the Division
The CEED comprises a dedicated team of five officials: Chief Program Officer, Dy Chief Program Officer, Assistant Program Officer, Program Assistant, and Audio-Visual Technician. The Division works in collaboration with:
- Other Divisions in the ECB Head Office;
- 20 Dzongkhag Election Offices; and
- Schools and higher educational institutions with democracy clubs;
Through this network, the Division seeks to extend civic and electoral learning beyond election periods and promote continuous civic learning as well as electoral participation.
Civic Education
Promotes understanding of democracy, democratic values, citizenship, civic responsibilities and the role of citizens.
Voter Education
Provides voters with practical and timely information on voter registration, electoral processes, voting procedures, voting options, and other election-related information prior to an election and even during the election period.
Electoral Training
Develops and delivers learning and training programmes for election officials during election period to enhance professional competence, consistency and integrity in the conduct of elections.
Development of Awareness/Learning Materials
Develops information materials for civic education, voter education, electoral training content in the form of videos, posters, digital content and other educational resources targeting different segments of voters.
Use of Digital and Media Platforms
Uses the ECB website, social media platforms such as official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Design of audio-visual materials (videos and posters) to provide accessible and timely civic and electoral information.
The Division has undertaken several of programmes to strengthen civic and electoral awareness, including the following:
A. Civic Education Programme (CEP)
Conducted civic education programmes to strengthen citizens’ understanding of democracy, citizenship, democratic institutions, rights and responsibilities, etc. In 2024, the Division started the target group approach under Key Population Group (KPG) for the delivery of the CEP, using revised content. Three phases of the CEP have been conducted so far between June 2024 and May 2026 in the first pilot test, first phase and the second phase. These three phases covered 19 Dzongkhags and several higher educational institutions including the institutions with persons with disabilities (PwDs).
B. Voter Education Programme (VEP)
Conducted civic education programmes to strengthen citizens’ understanding of democracy, citizenship, democratic institutions, rights and responsibilities, etc. In 2024, the Division started the target group approach under Key Population Group (KPG) for the delivery of the CEP, using revised content. Three phases of the CEP have been conducted so far between June 2024 and May 2026 in the first pilot test, first phase and the second phase. These three phases covered 19 Dzongkhags and several higher educational institutions including the institutions with persons with disabilities (PwDs).
C. Electoral Training
Conducted electoral training and orientation programmes for election officials to strengthen their knowledge, skills and preparedness for election duties. Recently, the Division in collaboration with other Divisions, conducted one-day training for the Returning Officers (ROs) and National Observers (NOs) deployed for the 4th Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections 2026.
D. National Voters’ Day (NVD)
The Division coordinated National Voters’ Day (NVD) observance at the national level at JSW School of Law in Paro and across 19 Dzongkhags on 15th September 2026 with the theme – Reimaging Democracy: Celebrating Partnership, Inspiring Participation. The NVD also coincided with the International Day of Democracy. This year’s NVD was a special event, graced by the presence of HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck as Guest of Honour and His Excellency Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, his spouse and the ECI Delegation. It was attended by other dignitaries – the Chief Justice of Bhutan & Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, invited guests, officials from Paro Dzongkhag, faculty and students of the Law School and the ECB officials. In the 19 Dzongkhags, various activities related to the theme were held to mark the event. First-time voters who attended the event have expressed their frank thoughts on the importance of the Day amongst others. The first NVD was observed on 15th September 2014.