Borders with India closed

Phuentsholing, December 28: Bhutan authorities in south, west and east have ordered tightening security along the border with India on Friday.

The border has been temporarily sealed before elections early next week that will election members to the upper house of parliament.

On Monday, people will vote for 15 members for the 25-member upper house. The five districts will see voting at the end of January. Remaining five members will be nominated by the king.

The nation will hold lower house polls in February and March.

In a notice published by the Election Commission today, it issued a string of directives, including a prohibition on carrying weapons and mobile phones inside polling booths.

The ECB also requested the voters to halt their annual pilgrimage to India and take part in the vote.

“One should also participate in shaping the future of the country and fulfil the country's vision for a vibrant democracy," Chief Election Commissioner Kunzang Wangdi said.

"Let us vote and make a difference during the election because the opportunity for pilgrimage will come every year," he added. Bhutan News Service