October 13: Civil servants should remain apolitical. This means that they are not allowed to take part in political activities like campaigning according to the Chief Election Commissioner. They may however attend the familiarization meetings.

With the familiarization visits in full swing, there has been confusion as to whether civil servants are allowed to attend the meetings. Civil servants working in the dzongkhags have raised concern that if they are not allowed to attend the meeting, they would not be able to decide who they should vote for.

To this, the Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said if the civil servants have the time and resources to attend they are allowed.

However he said it is not really necessary for civil servants to attend the familiarization meeting to decide who they should vote for. He said they can keep themselves updated though the media reports.

Politicking has also been disallowed at Sherubtse College, the nation’s premier learning institute.

Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said it is better to avoid in-campus politicking as much as possible.

He said if certain activities are allowed, it might lead to the formation of groups.