The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has finalised the list of candidates for the 2026 Thromde Elections, confirming four contenders for the Thrompon posts and 14 candidates for Thromde Tshogpa positions in Thimphu and Phuentshogling Thromdes.
According to the ECB, two candidates each will contest the Thrompon elections in Thimphu and Phuentshogling, following the completion of the Dhamngoi Zomdu process. In total, 13 Dhamngoi Zomdus were conducted, seven in Thimphu and six in Phuentshogling, to identify eligible aspirants for the top municipal leadership positions.
Among the four Thrompon candidates, three are men and one is a woman, highlighting continued gender imbalance at the highest level of urban local governance. Phuentshogling Thromde will see two male candidates contesting the post, while Thimphu Thromde features one male and one female candidate.
The data shows that while women’s participation remains limited in the Thrompon race, their representation is comparatively stronger at the Tshogpa level.
For the Thromde Tshogpa elections, 14 candidates have qualified through the signature collection process. Thimphu Thromde accounts for the majority with eight candidates, while six candidates will contest in Phuentshogling Thromde.
Of the Tsho gpa candidates, eight are men and six are women, indicating a more balanced level of participation compared to the Thrompon contest. Phuentshogling Thromde shows relatively higher female representation, with four women and two men contesting the six Tshogpa seats. In Thimphu Thromde, six men and two women are competing for eight positions.
Overall, the final list of candidates comprises 18 contestants, four for the Thrompon posts and 14 for Tshogpa seats. The figures reflect a gradual improvement in women’s participation in local governance, particularly at the Tshogpa level, even as leadership positions continue to see lower female representation.
The 2026 Thromde Elections will determine the leadership of Bhutan’s two key urban municipalities, shaping local governance, service delivery and urban development priorities for the next term. With candidates now finalized, election campaigning is expected to intensify ahead of polling day.
Sangay Rabten, Thimphu
