October 06: The Election Commission says political parties are not allowed to form wings or groups to promote certain issues.

The chief election commissioner, Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi said the draft constitution itself prohibits the formation of women’s wing or youth wing.

Clauses 2 and 3 of article 15 of the Constitution states that political parties and candidates shall promote national unity and shall not resort to regionalism, ethnicity and religion to incite voters for electoral gains.

Dasho Kunzang Wangdi however said a unit or agency which addresses certain issue is lawful.

The head of the women and youth department of the People’s Democratic Party, Lily Wangchuk said the PDP’s women and youth department is not a separate entity but a unit within the party.