March 3: The Election Commission has reprimanded PDP candidate for South Thim Throm Sonam Tobgay Dorji for failure to conduct himself in a manner expected of a candidate.

Sonam Tobgay Dorji was accused by DPT of donating Nu. 200,000 to the Chimithangkha Lhakhang in his constituency.

A news release from the Election Commission says the money was handed over by Sonam Tobgay Dorji to the community but the money actually belonged to M/s Singye Sand and Stones and Ugyen Tshechup Dorji, the brother of Sonam Tobgay Dorji.

According to the news release Ugyen Tshechup Dorji is required to deposit the money to the Election Commission by March 20.

The news release says the DPT on February 12 appealed to the Election Commission regarding the decision of the Election Dispute Settlement Body on February 7.

It says the Election Commission thoroughly reviewed the report submitted by the investigation committee, decision of the Election Dispute Settlement Body and further submissions made by DPT.

The news release says the Election Commission concurs with the decision of Election Dispute Settlement Body that the act of Sonam Tobgay Dorji was not grave enough to disqualify his candidature nor was he innocent enough to walk away free.

The Election Commission will also be issuing a warning to DPT members Sangay Tshering and Thangkha Tshering and PDP member Sangay Penjore to conduct themselves more responsibly and not to indulge further in politicizing community activities.