March 14: The number of postal ballot applications has increased by 20% in Thimphu. More than 700 people have applied for postal ballot for the National Assembly elections compared to about 500 in the National Council elections.

The number of people eligible for postal ballot has also increased from 1370 to over 1700. Dzongkhag Election Officer Tashi Dorji said the number has increased because more people have registered for the National Assembly elections.

However, only 483 postal ballots have been issued. More than 200 applications have been rejected.

The returning officers said the postal ballot applications were rejected either because the VPIC number of the competent witness was missing, they were not reflected in the electoral roll, the mailing address was wrong, or the applicants were not eligible for postal ballot.