Ngawang Tobgay from Samar gewog, Tobgay from Haa throm, Tshering Dorji from Bji gewog, and Ugyen Namgay from Sangbay gewog will contest in the final round of National Council (NC) elections.

Ngawang Tobgay secured a total of about 182 Yes votes against 47 No votes yesterday in the Samar zomdu yesteday.

Tobgay, a former teacher and a businessman, secured a total of 118 Yes votes against 15 No votes. Ugyen Namgay, a former analyst with the office of performance management, secured a total of 220 Yes votes against 23 No votes.

Rinzin Wangmo had brought her mother along to cast votes during the Haa throm zomdu. “To have a strong government and to have wise and efficient leaders, we need to elect capable people so that our country develops efficiently. Some people take these zomdus for granted. I do not.”

Another voter from Haa throm, who did not want to be named, said that she felt that an opportunity should be given if there is someone contesting in the elections.

Katsho, Gakidling, and Eusu gewogs had no nominees for the upcoming National Council (NC) elections.

The 71-year-old Tshencho Lham from Ingo said that most of the qualified people no longer stay in the village. “Either these people are in the jobs or have started their business. Most of the people left in the village are either elders or children.”

Dema, 63, said young people prefer jobs in town areas. “Qualified people have to leave their jobs to contest in the elections. That poses risks.”

Tshitshi, 55, from Kajena said that in the future, however, he feels there would be individuals interested to participate in the elections. “Most of the people are capable and qualified, but they are away. I feel that people after gaining some experience would return and participate.”

The gewog zomdu that began on March 2 ended yesterday in Haa.

Rinchen Zangmo | Haa

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