To contest against its former candidate, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has identified Dorji Youden, a former Librarian of Lhuentse Higher Secondary School as its candidate in the upcoming bye-elections for Mongar constituency.

The 30-year-old candidate from Chali village in Mongar has a major in Dzongkha and Media Studies from Sherubtse College, Trashigang. According to a DPT press release, Dorji Youden is a keen social worker who during her school and college days engaged in several activities aimed to empower and help community members.

Dorji Youden describes herself as a ‘motivated and committed person’ who believes that her attitude defines her being. She said that her rural background and upbringing have shaped her identity as a ‘humble, hardworking and determined’ woman.

Addressing youth unemployment is one of her top priorities as a politician. She said: “I know how much our youth are suffering because of unemployment problems. I will propose and champion for legislative and policy measures to address this pressing social peril.”

She added: “My dream is to see all our youth engaged in productive employment to live a meaningful and happy life that they deserve”. She also aspires to encourage more women participation in politics with her decision to join this social enterprise.

Rinchen Pelzang, 37, from Decheling is the party’s candidate for Nganglam constituency.

He holds a Bachelor and Diploma degrees in Agriculture Science from the College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan and a Post Graduate Diploma in the same subject from the International Agricultural Training Center in Israel.

DPT in its press release said that Rinchen Pelzang, known for his passion for social works brought along 13 years of experience in the civil service and hands-on knowledge about rural Bhutan.

While in the civil service, he mostly worked with farmers in rural areas, understanding their plights and acknowledging that progressive sustainable agriculture was the country’s future.

If elected, Rinchen Pelzang aspires to champion for legislative and policy instruments to make the agriculture sector vibrant and source of gainful employment for the youth.

Leadership is one of the many qualities in Rinchen Pelzang, stated the press release. “Under his leadership, Athang gewog’s agriculture extension office was recognised as one of the best in Wangdue dzongkhag. He also served as Bhutan’s Tourism Goodwill Ambassador to Israel while studying there.”

He spends his spare time coordinating and fund-raising for religious events and projects. He is a core member of the working committee that coordinates and oversees the ongoing construction of Deling Drupchenkhang, the project initiated by late Member of Parliament Choida Jamtsho, in Decheling gewog.

“We are confident that Rinchen Pelzang will carry on our late colleague Hon’ble MP Choida Jamtsho’s legacy — especially his indisputable commitment to the service of the people he represented for 13 long years,” stated the DPT press release.

By Younten Tshedup