Bhutan
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
20.04.2018
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
Date at which the previous legislature (elected at the previous elections) was dissolved.
09.05.2018
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Upon normal expiry
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
20
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
121
Number of male candidates
Number of male candidates
115
Number of female candidates
Number of female candidates
6
Percentage of women candidates
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women candidates by the total number of candidates.
4.96%
Notes
Membership of the National Council is not party-based.
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
432,030
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
234,535
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
54.29%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
121 candidates, including six women, vied for the 20 seats at stake in the 25-member National Council. All candidates ran as independents since membership of the National Council is not party-based, unlike the National Assembly. Only five of the 12 incumbents seeking re-election were returned to the National Council. The new members, with the average age of 40, come from a range of professional backgrounds, including teachers, entrepreneurs, planners, lawyers, an actor and a journalist.
Two women were elected, up from none in 2013. Turnout increased from 45 to 54 percent, due in part to the introduction of the postal voting system in the mountainous country where accessibility and transport have been a major barrier to many voters. Bhutanese abroad were allowed to cast a postal ballot for the first time in 2018.
Two women were elected, up from none in 2013. Turnout increased from 45 to 54 percent, due in part to the introduction of the postal voting system in the mountainous country where accessibility and transport have been a major barrier to many voters. Bhutanese abroad were allowed to cast a postal ballot for the first time in 2018.
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Not applicable
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
18
Number of women elected
2
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
10%
Note on the Distribution of seats according to sex
Two women were elected in 2018 and two others were appointed by the King.
Sources
National Council (15.05.2018)
Election Commission of Bhutan 2018
National Council of Bhutan
Kuensel
The Diplomat
Election Commission of Bhutan 2018
National Council of Bhutan
Kuensel
The Diplomat
Women Directly Elected
2
Women Appointed
2
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
21
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
4
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
10.05.2018
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Tashi
Dorji
(Male)
Date of election
10.05.2018