Bhutan puts forward ex-election chief for SAARC top job

Bhutan has formally proposed Dasho Sonam Topgay, the former chief of its election body, as its candidate for the next Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The nomination comes as SAARC moves through its established rotation mechanism, which allocates the leadership position alphabetically among member states.

Topgay brings significant administrative experience to the nomination, having previously headed Bhutan's election commission. His appointment would mark another stage in SAARC's efforts to fill the top position within the organisation that represents eight South and South Asian nations.

Under SAARC's selection procedure, member nations take turns nominating candidates for the Secretary General role based on alphabetical order. The rotation system is designed to ensure equitable representation and shared responsibility among the bloc's constituent states in steering the organisation's strategic direction and operations.

The South Asian regional body, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, uses the Secretary General position as its principal administrative office. The nominating process typically involves consultation among member states before a final decision is reached.