Neten Dorji

Lhuentse—”Will you support Tshoki Lhamo, given the higher representation of women participants compared to men here today?” asked DTT’s president, Kinga Tshering, at a party campaign in Menbi Gewog Centre in Lhuentse yesterday.

In response, the crowd affirmed their support for her, as she stands among the six female candidates for DTT.

The president underscored the significance of female participation, elucidating the party’s choice to include women in the fourth national assembly election.

“I acknowledge the challenges faced by women aspiring for political roles. This endeavour cannot be accomplished by men alone,” he said. “Tshoki Lhamo needs your support to ensure equal representation of women in parliament.”

If elected, DTT has committed to providing Nu 200 million to the people of Lhuentse for tourism development and skill enhancement, particularly in weaving Kushuthara.

Additionally, the party pledged to create a QR code for Kushuthara to promote the brand in Western countries.

Following the exposition of Sunomics, the president advised voters to choose a political party with diverse pledges and candidates well-versed in public issues.

However, the gewog displayed a lukewarm response, with attendance notably lower compared to other dzongkhags. Only one representative per household attended the meetings, and in most cases, the turnout was less than half the expected number of participants.

Gurula, 69, said that more participants should be engaged, advocating for at least one representative from each household to attend presidential addresses.

“The mindset of distinguishing between parties needs to change, and individuals should bear the responsibility,” he said.

While most voters appreciate the positive pledges made by all political parties, their focus remains on selecting capable parties that can effectively serve the country and its people.

Choda Tashi, a voter, remarked: “When I travel around, people rarely discuss political parties as they did in the past. Predicting the outcome of the upcoming election is challenging.”

Pem Tshering, 43, from Zhungkhar, expressed scepticism about parties’ ability to fulfil their pledges in five years, stating, “We express support for a party, but then others follow suit. It’s difficult to predict the winner.”

According to Ngawang Phuntsho, a villager, access to information on candidates and their pledges through platforms like social media has contributed to voters’ understanding. “By now, voters likely have decided whom to support, which is why they find attending meetings less crucial.”

As the fourth National Assembly election, voters are already expressing fatigue. Some cite disillusionment with the government’s track record of unfulfilled promises.

“We are already drained since the purpose of voting for parties is not received well,” said one voter. “Governments have rarely kept their promises.”

Sangay Dorji is DTT’s candidate for Gangzur-Minjey, and Tshoki Lhamo, 31, for Maenbi-Tsaenkhar constituency in Lhuentse.