𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

The Election Commission (ECB) has recently issued a stern reminder to political parties, urging them to adhere strictly to electoral laws and refrain from engaging in political campaigning during familiarization visits. The commission has received reports of various political parties blatantly violating electoral laws and engaging in campaign activities during these visits.

In a letter addressed to the general secretaries of political parties, the ECB emphasized the importance of following the guidelines and regulations set forth by the electoral laws. The letter specifically highlighted the need for political leaders to refrain from traveling with their party's president and vice president to other constituencies without prior approval.

To prevent further violations, the ECB has issued a public notification, urging individuals to report any wrongdoing or violations of electoral laws that they may witness. The commission has emphasized that political campaigning can only commence from the date specified in the official notification calling for the National Assembly elections in 2023.

One particular issue that has come to the forefront is the reported campaigning by certain parties to either remove or reduce the new Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) imposed on tourists. The SDF, which currently stands at USD 200 per day, aims to support and maintain Bhutan's commitment to sustainable development. However, some political parties have reportedly been campaigning to alter this fee, potentially compromising the country's environmental goals.

In response to these violations, the ECB has stepped up its advocacy