Bhutan to hold 3rd general election on Oct 18

The primary round will be held on Sept 15, followed by the general election on Oct 18.

Bhutan to hold 3rd general election on Oct 18 (Source: Pixabay)

 

By Kinley Yangden | Bhutan Times

The Election Commission of Bhutan has announced October 18 as the date for the country's third general election.

The election date was announced by chief election commissioner Chogyal Dago Rigdzin, after the approval by the King of Bhutan, through a televised programme on Bhutan Broadcasting Services (BBS).

The primary round of the election will be held on September 15, which coincides with Thimphu Drubchoe.

How general elections work in Bhutan

According to Bhutan's Election Act, elections to the National Assembly are to be held in two rounds: primary and general.

In the primary round, all registered political parties will participate and contest. The two parties with the highest number of votes from the primary round will be eligible to contest the National Assembly seats at the general election held on Oct 18.

According to Kuensel, the chief election commissioner said that the officials and returning officers "have been trained and are ready for the election".

More than 430,000 Bhutanese are eligible to vote in the elections.

 


Related Posts

Bhutan Launches Third Child Plus Programme Amid Falling Birth...

Bhutan has launched the Third Child Plus Programme, providing Nu 10,000 monthly support for eligible third and...

Jun 09, 2026 10:24

Queen Jetsun Pema Graced Opening of Her Expression Festival at...

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema inaugurated the Her Expression Festival and Volume IX exhibition at VAST Bhutan Gallery,...

Jun 05, 2026 23:04

His Majesty The King Honours International Tit Tar Practitioners...

His Majesty The King honoured 21 Tit Tar practitioners from across Asia for their volunteer service in Bhutan, where...

Jun 05, 2026 10:12

Why Bhutan is More Relevant Than Ever Today

Forty years of Bhutan-Germany relations reveal why Bhutan’s approach to happiness, sustainability, culture, and...

Jun 03, 2026 14:58

Bhutan's First International School to Welcome Initial Cohort in...

Bhutan's first international K-12 school, EtonHouse Bhutan International School, will begin admissions in August for...

Jun 02, 2026 16:20

Fourth King Graced Sacred 21 Taras Thongdrol Ceremony

Royal Family members joined senior monks and officials at Pangrizampa for the consecration of a new sacred Tara...

May 29, 2026 11:03

Latest

News

Bhutan Launches Third Child Plus Programme Amid Falling Birth Rates

Bhutan has launched the Third Child Plus Programme, providing Nu 10,000 monthly support for eligible third and subsequent children as the...

Jun 09, 2026 10:24

Queen Jetsun Pema Graced Opening of Her Expression Festival at VAST Bhutan

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema inaugurated the Her Expression Festival and Volume IX exhibition at VAST Bhutan Gallery, featuring 104...

Jun 05, 2026 23:04

Features

Passion and Purpose: Two Decades of Guiding in Bhutan

For over two decades, cultural and trekking guide Ugyen Tshewang has shared Bhutan’s landscapes, traditions, and spirituality with visitors...

Jun 17, 2026 10:36

What Bhutan Quietly Changed Inside Me

A reflective Gen Z travel story about returning to Bhutan, exploring mindfulness, spirituality, serendipity, and the quiet beauty of...

May 22, 2026 17:06

Business

From Singapore to Thimphu: How Gikuna and Kizuna Built a Community Through Hospitality

A collaboration between Bhutan's Gikuna and Singapore's Kizuna has created new opportunities for hospitality training, cultural exchange,...

Jun 17, 2026 16:21

Pema Deki Brings Bhutanese Heritage to the World of Luxury Watches

From Trashigang to Melbourne, Pema Deki is redefining Bhutanese luxury through Eternal Watches—blending heritage, symbolism, and...

Mar 31, 2026 11:36

Sports

Bhutan Football Steps onto a Bigger Stage with Hummel Partnership

Bhutan Football Federation signs a landmark MoU with Hummel, marking a major step forward for Bhutanese football through global partnership,...

Apr 16, 2026 11:15

Bhutan International Marathon Saw Strong Participation from Local and International Runners

The 12th Bhutan International Marathon saw 575 runners from Bhutan and abroad compete across full and half marathon races.

Mar 09, 2026 11:23

Tourism

Bhutan Concluded First International Travel Mart, Announced 2027 Edition

Bhutan's inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart 2026 attracted more than 200 international tourism buyers from 15 countries,...

Jun 15, 2026 16:00

Haa's Tergola Emerges as Bhutan's New Model for Nature-Based Tourism

Nestled in Haa District, Tergola is set to launch a conservation-first nature tourism programme centred on Bhutan's highest recorded red...

Jun 11, 2026 17:12

Lifestyle

Traditional costumes of Bhutan and the evolution of kira

The Kingdom of Bhutan is unique for many reasons, but one peculiarity that sets them apart is their dress code.

May 27, 2026 11:25

Bhutan’s First Indoor Golf Bar: Inside The 19th Hole

Bhutan’s recreational scene has just gained an exciting new addition with the opening of The 19th Hole, the country’s first indoor golf...

Mar 16, 2026 11:16

GMC

Bhutan Begins Preparing Sacred Relics for Project 108's Chortens

Bhutan's Project 108 continues to advance as sacred relic preparations begin in Sarpang Dzong, following ground-breaking ceremonies for the...

Jun 19, 2026 14:18

Over 70 Jangchub Chortens Sponsored as Project 108 Gains Momentum

More than 70 of the 108 Jangchub Chortens planned for Gelephu Mindfulness City have already secured sponsorship, drawing support from...

Jun 12, 2026 14:06

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app