January 3: The Election Commission has instructed the People’s Democratic Party’s South Thimphu candidate to collect Nu. 200,000 and hand it over to the Commission.

According to the Commission the money was donated by the party candidate Sonam Tobgay Dorji to a Lhakhang in his constituency in August.

In a letter to the candidate, ECB said this is directly or indirectly linked to garnering of voters to enhance prospects of your candidature and therefore not acceptable.

According to the letter, Sonam Tobgay Dorji had given the money for recitation of Kanjur at Chimithangkha Lhakhang in the presence of several elders from Mewang gewog.

The ECB was informed about the donation by members of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa and the allegation was confirmed through an investigation as per the letter. The Election Commission has asked the candidate to hand over the money by January 10.

The PDP candidate Sonam Tobgay Dorji said he was surprised to hear about the donation and denied giving the money. He said he did not donate money to the Lhakhang. He said he was there on the day to offer prayers and seek blessings during an archery match.

Sonam Tobgay Dorji said the ECB had investigated the allegation without contacting him. He said it was a serious allegation against him.

The PDP spokesperson, Tashi Tshering told BBS they have conclusive evidence that the donation was made by another person and not the PDP candidate. He said if people investigating the charges had consulted members of the PDP they would have clarified the issue.

The spokesperson said the Party will take up the matter with the Election Commission and provide them with evidence.