In a major upset verdict in the first round of polls in Bhutan, incumbent Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been ousted from the race, and will not run in the second and final round next month. Instead, the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) headed by Dr. Lotay Tshering, and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) will face off on October 18th. The DNT won the highest number of votes.
Reacting to the shock verdict, outgoing PM Tobgay said the people of Bhutan had “spoken”. “The People’s Democratic Party graciously accepts their decision. The will of the people must prevail in a democracy,” said the Harvard educated leader, whose term had seen good relations between India and Bhutan, including during last year’s tense Doklam standoff with China.
