Yangyel Lhaden

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) yesterday declared Dawa as its Chhoekhor-Tang candidate for the National Assembly bye-election.

Dawa, 42, contested from the same constituency in the 2018 parliamentary elections.

He was a former broadcast journalist in Bhutan Broadcasting Service. He has BA in English literature from Sherubtse College, a certificate in media and politics from Montreal, Canada, and a leadership certificate from Thailand.

Dawa received a coronation medal for the coverage of the first parliamentary election, won the best television anchor award at JAB’s annual awards, is a South Asia Sub-Regional scholar and Sauve Scholarship Program fellow.

Announcing the party’s nominee, DNT’s acting president, Dr Tandi Dorji said that the party had no doubt about Dawa’s ability and that he could replace the former Opposition Leader (OL) Pema Gyamtsho (PhD).

Dr Tandi Dorji said that Dawa continued to support the party and public’s well being even after he lost the election which showed that he was the rightful candidate for his constituency.

Dawa said that he had been a bridge to people and government all this time.

He said that he needed the nerve to contest for the second time but people of his constituency encouraged him to step forward.

“I have pledges from my first election and additional pledges now which I feel are critically important to fulfil if I am elected.”

Dawa said that the former candidate he competed in 2018 was a competitive one but he looked forward to getting elected this time.

The party’s press release states that after the departure of former OL Pema Gyamtsho (PhD) it left an enormous vacuum at the legislation and it was a big space to fill.

It stated that the party was confident that Dawa could bring the kind of leadership and wisdom to its people accustomed to having at the legislature.

Dawa said that not only people living in Chhoekhor-Tang but all its people living across Bhutan and abroad should feel a kinship towards their homeland at all times for the betterment of the livelihood of people of Chhoekhor-Tang.

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has nominated a 35-year-old businessman, Tenzin Norbu as its candidate on September 22.

Election Commission of Bhutan is yet to decide on the date of the bye-election. An official said that it would be finalised when the new commissioner assume office.