Lhakpa Quendren

Panbang – Despite facing defeat in the fourth National Assembly primary elections after three consecutive terms in parliament, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) remains optimistic and holds on to hope for future elections.

Securing third place with 46,694 votes among the five political parties, DPT President Dorji Wangdi said that this outcome sets a clear path for future elections. “We are hopeful for another chance after five years,” he expressed.

“We are committed to strengthening the party further to be well-prepared for forming the government or serving as the opposition in the future,” he said, adding that the result was positive as his party obtained 14.9 percent of the total votes.

Dorji Wangdi mentioned that DPT had hoped to secure second place, acknowledging that achieving first place was not possible. “However, we have to acknowledge the fact that democracy is all about the will of the people. People have decided, and we fully honour and respect the results.”

He added that his party has been fortunate to have a unique and unprecedented opportunity to serve in both government and opposition roles. “We remain deeply grateful to His Majesty The King and the people for their continuous guidance and blessings bestowed upon DPT over the last 15 years in the parliament.”

In the first democratically elected government, he served as the labour minister. During the second parliament, he became a member of the opposition, and then he assumed the role of opposition leader in the third parliament.

Having served as the representative of Panbang in Zhemgang, Dorji Wangdi remains completely satisfied with his contributions to his constituents and the country. “I have served to the best of my ability, supported by the people. Our people still hold their faith and respect in us,” he said.

“If we look at the economic development of the community 15 years ago and compare it to the present, there is a major change,” he added. “The people have given me the opportunity, and it has benefited them.”

When asked about his plans for the next five years, Dorji Wangdi said, “My top priority is to continue serving the government in any capacity.” Based on his experience as a seasoned parliamentarian, he highlighted the importance of elected representatives and any political party forming the government working closely with others when their knowledge is outside their expertise.

“We are entering a new era with unprecedented economic challenges and unemployment circumstances. It is ultimately a new chapter in our lives,” he said.

For any task of community economic development, Dorji Wangdi said it should be prioritized equally across the region. “This will contribute to improving the overall economy.”

“However, we are completely confident that any task the government undertakes in the country will succeed with the blessings and guidance of His Majesty The King,” he said.

Dorji Wangdi secured second place in the Panbang constituency with a total of 2,104 votes, which includes 936 postal votes.