Garab Dorji beat the managing director of Bhutan Post, Achyut Bhandari, by five votes to stand as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Gelephu constituency under Sarpang dzongkhag.

Garab Dorji secured 23 votes of the 41 votes cast by representatives of the PDP party members on September 9 in Gelephu town. Achyut Bhandari secured 18 votes. The third potential candidate, H.B. Gurung, did not contest.

According to the PDP coordinator in Gelephu, Karma Galey, each of the seven gewogs under Gelephu constituency were given five votes each and Gelephu town was given six votes.

“The voting format was agreed by both candidates,� said the PDP spokesperson, Tashi Tshering, in Thimphu. “It is important to have a capable candidate, who has the full support of the people.�

Garab Dorji did his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Sherubtse College in Kanglung in 1994 and worked with Yangphel tours and treks. He is the president of the tourist guide’s association.

“I was born and grew up in Gelephu, so people know me and my and family, that is why they must have chosen me,� said Garab Dorji, who is registered in Purano Busti in Gelephu.

Achyut Bhandari, who returned to Thimphu yesterday from Gelephu, said that he would continue as the managing director of Bhutan Post. “My resignation depended on the party ticket and since I couldn’t make the candidature, I will continue working in Bhutan Post,� Achyut Bhandari told Kuensel. Source: Kuenselonline