Bhutan Kuen-Nyam party (BKP) introduced two candidates at the party’s head office in Thimphu yesterday.

A former operations specialist with the UN in Somalia, Kesang Choden, 52, will contest from Bardo-Trong constituency in Zhemgang.

She also served as operations manager with UNDP Bhutan for seven years.

She said that with her working experiences in different fields, she has seen that the country still lacks inclusive development.

“From my interaction with the people from different areas, I’ve seen witnessed that while some placed have really developed, some lacks development,” Kesang Choden said. “This is where I thought maybe I can make a small change because serving the community has always been my aspiration.”

She is the second woman candidate declared by the party after the president Dasho Neten Zangmo.

“Although I had no intention of joining politics, I was convinced by the party President to join BKP where it gives me a bigger platform to help the community,” Kesang Choden said. “Being a woman, I had to think a lot about joining politics with responsibilities at home but the key reason to serve people inspired me.”

The other candidate is Sonam Tshering, 40, who worked as a senior integrity promotion officer with the Anti-Corruption Commission. He will contest from Wamrong-Khaling constituency in Trashigang.

He said he joined politics with the hope to make difference and to do something better for his community.

“Although developments are coming in, I felt there was more to do in the community and I thought I can do better,” he said. “With the interest in the politics we need a good stage to act and BKP is a stage where I can go and act the way I want.”

Dasho Neten Zangmo said that the party is trying to get more women candidates. “But it is difficult.”

She said even if they do not get 30 percent women candidates, they would ensure they get candidates with qualities. “It’s now time to project the new face of leadership instead of re-launching old candidates.”

Yangchen C Rinzin

Advertisement