… at least in Trongsa and Bumthang 

LG: Although women outnumbered men in registering for the Functional Literacy Test (FLT) for the upcoming local government elections, less women sat for the test on April 30.

More than half of those who registered did not turn up for the test. Only 34 out of 65 sat for the test.

Likewise, only 47 of the 61 men registered for the test, showed up.

A total of 81 men and women appeared for the FLT. They were composed of non-formal education learners, dropouts and two bachelor degree holders.

However, all those who would get through the FLT are also not expected to contest in the second LG elections, which is scheduled for next month.

Bumthang dzongkhag election officer Ugyen Choden said the number of women who sat for the FLT was good but many might not contest in the elections.

“I am expecting more women candidates contesting in the upcoming election but still we never know,” she said.

The FLT was conducted by setting up one test centre for each gewog and one centre for the thromde and people from other dzongkhags.

Tang gewog Mangmi Dechen Zangmo is the only woman local leader in Bumthang. Ugyen Choden said besides some women who wanted to contest for the posts of tshogpa and thromde tshogpa, no woman has expressed their interest to contest for the post of gup and mangi yet.

Likewise, only 40 out of 77 registered for the FLT appeared for the test in Trongsa. Of which, 54 men of 67 registered appeared for the test. Trongsa also saw two bachelor degree holders appearing for the FLT.

Trongsa has two female tshogpas today.

Trongsa dzongkhag election officer Needup said two women had already expressed their interest to contest for the gup post this year. “There should definitely be more women contestants this election as election officials focused on encouraging women participation during the voter education programs,” he said.

Nima Wangdi | Chamkhar