Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) has nominated Sabitman Rai from Samtse-Phuentshopelri constituency as its candidate for the upcoming National Assembly elections.

The 56-year-old from Samtse gewog served 33 years in the civil service and has a Bachelors of Arts from Punjab University of India.

Stating his reason for joining BKP, he said that BKP was a credible party with a high chance of forming the next government. “The party has been further strengthened by the entry of Dasho Neten Zangmo, the former anti-corruption chairperson,” he said.

The candidate said that BKP has selected strong candidates with a varied range of experience. “We have both young and experienced people as candidates,” he said.

Sabitman Rai worked as a chief internal auditor in the ministries of agriculture and forestry, health, economic affairs and information communications, and as dzongkhag planning officer in Trongsa, Paro and Punakha.

“After serving about 33 years in the civil service, I have developed my interest to be a public servant and resigned from civil service to serve the King, country and people from political field in order to contribute in fulfilling His Majesty’s vision,” he said.

Sabitman Rai said he also possessed a wide range of experience in various fields including internal auditing, administration, planning, human resource management, procurement and inventory.

He said he contributed to enhancing good governance while serving in internal audit service, which he said was one of the pillars of Gross National Happiness.

“Some parliamentarians, during the last 10 years did not stand up in Parliament, let alone raising the issues,” he said. “Some issues are not within the power of parliamentarians but they could have at least discussed it.”

The constituency is currently represented by information and communications minister DN Dhungyel of the People’s Democratic Party. From the same constituency, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa recently declared an environment consultant, Kamal Dan Rai, as its candidate.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa and Druk Chirwang Tshogpa are yet to officially their nominate candidate for the constituency.

MB Subba