This is for kind information of the general public that Section 305 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 provides:
“No candidate or political party shall convene public meetings and campaign on the day of the poll and during forty-eight hours preceding the hour fixed for commencement of poll.”
Therefore, in keeping with the above provision, the no campaign period in the Bye-Elections to Nganglam and Monggar Demkhongs starts from 8:00 am of 27th June 2021 till the closure of the Polls on 29th June 2021.
During this period no one is allowed to publish, broadcast, or transmit any material that is in the nature of election campaign, supporting or opposing any candidate in any media platform. However, the authorized campaign materials posted during the campaign period may be retained as it is if they are not within 100 meters of a polling station. Further, no one shall arrange, organize, conduct, undertake, introduce, issue, release or finalize any public activity, event or decision that has potential to sway voters in favour of or against a candidate or be exploited for electoral gains. Any individual or candidate resorting to any such unlawful acts shall be dealt with as per the laws.
It is also reminded that Section 343 of the Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 prohibits Exit Polls and specifically provides that:
No person shall broadcast, telecast or publish before the close of poll, any:
(a) Statement or news relating to the manner in which voters have voted at an election;
(b) Public opinion survey reports on an election shall not be released to the general public prior to closure of the poll; or
(c) Forecasts or predictions relating to the probable result of an election based on the information provided by or obtained from, voters or observers at an election.
The Election Commission seeks the understanding, support and full cooperation of the general public for ensuring compliance with this order. This is aimed at fulfilling the noble intention of providing conducive time and space for proper reflection and exercise of franchise by the electorate so as to achieve the aspiration of the nation to elect the most worthy National Assembly members to the Monggar and Nganglam Demkhongs.
