Bhutan poll delegation in Rewalsar on strategic leadership tour, boost ties

A high-level delegation from the Election Commission of Bhutan visited the historic and spiritual town of Rewalsar in Mandi district on Friday, as part of their ongoing study tour under the “Strategic Leadership and Conflict Management Boot Camp” training programme. The initiative is being conducted under the aegis of the Election Commission of India and organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).

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The delegation, led by Bhutan’s Election Commissioner Dawa Tenzin, was warmly received by local administrative officials. Smritika Negi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Balh, extended greetings on behalf of the district administration. Ramesh Kumar, Assistant Section Officer at the Election Commission of India, noted that the visit is part of a broader training programme running from May 19 to May 30. The programme is designed to enhance the strategic and managerial capacities of 36 senior and mid-level officials from Bhutan’s election management body.

The Rewalsar visit aimed to provide the Bhutanese delegation with insights into India’s cultural diversity and grassroots governance structures within a peaceful and spiritually rich setting. The serene atmosphere and religious significance of Rewalsar left a strong impression on the visiting officials, who described the experience as both inspiring and enriching.

The tour also highlighted the deepening cooperation between the election management institutions of India and Bhutan. It served as a valuable platform for mutual learning, exchange of best practices and the reinforcement of shared democratic values between the two neighbouring nations.

Prominent officials present on the occasion included Additional Election Officer Dorje Thakur, District Panchayat Officer Anchit Dogra and Tehsildar (Elections) Rajesh Sharma, among others.

This visit marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Bhutan in the field of electoral collaboration and democratic development.