The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) announced its candidate for Menbi-Tsenkhar constituency of Lhuentse at its head office yesterday.

Choki Gyeltshen, 52, from Metsho recently resigned as the dzongkhag education officer of Lhuentse after 27 years in the education ministry.

He has a Masters in Education from Acharya Nagarjuna University in India.

The candidate said he was familiar with issues facing his constituency as he served in the dzongkhag. The constituency comprises the four gewogs of Jaray, Metsho, Menbi and Tsenkhar.

“I like DPT’s philosophy of equity and justice. The party’s policies are also based on long-term visions,” he said.

Choki Gyeltshen said he has contributed to improving the quality of education in the dzongkhag. “Today, Lhuentse is one of the top dzongkhags in terms of quality of education.”

If elected, he said that one of his main areas of focus would be the education sector. “The quality of education is important if the country is to do good. I will work towards making our youth productive and skilled.”

Choki Gyeltshen also said that health infrastructure should be improved. “The reason behind the shortage of doctors should be studied to come up with solutions.”

He said the quality of farm roads needs to be upgraded. “I have served in rural areas and I am aware of the needs of our rural communities.”

Opposition leader Pema Gyamtsho (PhD) said that about 90 percent of the 47 constituencies have been filled and that the remaining constituencies would be filled soon.

He said the party is yet to finalise candidates in five constituencies although candidates have been identified.

The party says that most of its previous candidates are contesting and that it would not announce candidates for those constituencies where they would be contesting again.

MB Subba