South Thimphu, Thimphu

Registered voters: 9,731 | Male: 4,601 | Female: 5,130

Tandin Tshering

Age: 54

Work experience: More than 31 years in civil service, Secretary General of National Assembly, Director General of Ministry of Economic Affairs

Education: Master’s degree in Business Management

Your opening line when you meet your voters…?

I extend a warm greeting and express gratitude for their support during the primary round elections. I also take a moment to introduce myself and seek further support for the General round.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? 

I see myself still pursuing the political career and serving the King, Country and people particularly the people of my constituency.

What is your view of the Bhutanese media in democracy? 

Bhutanese Media plays a very vital role both during and after the election. During elections, media serves as key information provider, offering verified and unbiased  information related to the Political parties and their candidates. This enables active citizen participation ensuring that the general public make well-informed decisions while casting their votes. Post-election, the media plays an important role in monitoring and ensuring that the pledges are fulfilled and becomes the voice of the people thereby holding the elected officials accountable for their commitments. This monitoring role taken over by the media significantly contributes to the transparency and accountability of the democratic process. 

What motivated you to run for MP, beyond serving Tsawa Sum?

The goals and objectives of BTP resonated deeply with my ideals and principles prompting my transition from the civil service to politics. Having garnered experience in the civil service, I have gained a profound understanding of the inherent constraints faced by both the public and the civil servants alike. My decision to transition into politics is rooted in a belief that, with my expertise and accumulated experience, I can actively contribute to bringing about positive changes by shaping policies and driving impactful reforms. In addition, my contributions to my constituency may have been limited in my previous role, I am confident that as a Member of Parliament (MP), I can leverage my position to bring about significant infrastructure and service-oriented reforms to address the pressing needs of the Public. Furthermore, I aim to be a catalyst for positive transformation and progress within my constituency and beyond. 

What are your top three priorities if elected as MP?

Boosting economy

Enhancing public service delivery

Regain the public’s trust and confidence in democracy

Thimphu is experiencing growing income inequality along with rising cost of inflation. How will you address poverty and inequality in the city? 

The BTP acknowledges the growing global trend of poverty and inequality driven by urbanization. In response, if elected, BTP aims to address these challenges by strategically planning, implementing, and monitoring interventions in collaboration with key stakeholders. The party plans to increase household income and livelihood by offering allowances to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and differently-abled individuals. Additionally, BTP intends to invest in education and skill development programs to improve workforce employability, create job opportunities, ensure affordable housing, facilitate easy access to healthcare services, and access to loan at reduce interest rates.

How will you support small businesses and entrepreneurs in our city? 

The Bhutan Tendrel Party is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for small businesses and entrepreneur’s development by creating a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and entrepreneurship. To enhance the ease of doing business, we will expedite and streamline processes for business approvals, permits, clearances, payment gateways and regulations. We would like to adopt the concept of “Register First and Regulate Later” for cottage and small industries, simplify tax systems and filing procedures. The party aims to actively support sector associations by involving the private sector in national economic decisions, and implement policies promoting competition and facilitate collaboration between government agencies and businesses, thereby contributing to the realization of Tendrels’ vision for a prosperous Bhutan.

Tshewang Rinzin

Age: 59

Work experience: 35 years as a civil servant and 5 years as National Council member from Thimphu Dzongkhag.  Computer Programmer, teacher, Headmaster, Principal, and Dzongkhag Education Officer, Drungpa, Dzongdad

Education: Master of Educational  Administration

Your Opening line when you meet your voters…?

Kuzuzangpola… thank you for your time.

Where do you see 10 years from now?

Whole life is a learning process; I see myself updating in technology and educating myself to stay abreast in the technology driven economy. For instance, I see increasingly more online businesses including for your basic needs in the Kitchen. I will be a happy, satisfied and fulfilled senior citizen. In addition to spending more time with my family, I will spend substantial time in social and volunteer works. I am a Desuup and will always remain so.

What is your view of the Bhutanese media in democracy?

Our media needs to be more vibrant; it can be more vibrant only if it is self-sustaining; this may be possible only if the media operates or functions as a business entity. If media depends on State or private enterprises or corporations, their voices may not be heard loud; and their independence and fairness will be compromised. We do not want this. The media house is in the best position to know their limitations and opportunities; the government should respond to their call.

What motivated you to run for MP, beyond serving  Tsawa sum?

As a Drungpa or Dzongda, one has a set menu to implement; as Member of Parliament, National Council, you concentrate on laws,   higher level policies and creating enabling environment for development. As a MP of National Assembly, you are engaged in prioritization of development, resource mobilization and allocation; and you are linked to policy level decision makers and local governments and public where actions happen. Thus, Member of Parliament, National Assembly can be more impactful; truly a bridge between the government and people. Therefore, servicing and making a difference in the lives of the public motivated me to run for the post.

What are your three priorities if elected as MP?

Be a good ambassador of the people of south Thimphu; be their ears, eyes and voice in the parliament and outside.

Serve as the bridge between Government and people – always stay in touch with public; learn from people and keep them abreast of latest developments from my side. 

I made pledges based on thorough public consultation, and I will deliver all pledges and plus. 

Thimphu is experiencing growing income inequality along with rising cost of  inflation. 

How will you address poverty and inequality in the city?

Poverty and income inequality are due to multiple but related factors; and they are the result of many years and even decades. Thus, any attempt and quick fix will not be sustainable. First, it is critical to pinning down the root causes, not symptoms. Thimphu city’s problems are linked to all dzongkhags; unless employment, livelihood, community vibrancy, etc. in other dzongkhags are taken care of, city’s woos will perpetuate. It is important to create employment opportunities in other Dzongkhags, so that people do not migrate to Thimphu.  Facilities and technology necessary for the larger population should be made available and accessible in places away from Thimphu. If one of the root causes is high interest rate, it is important that Financial Institutions/banks revisit their operations and identify areas for automation and accordingly see how to make more efficient and friendly service provider. The government also needs to provide room for banks to enter into competitions.  Further, for the lower income city dwellers, subsidies like housing, e-tickets for city buses, etc need to be instituted. The Thimphu City’s problems of poverty and inflation etc should be seen as opportunities for year-round production of vegetables and supply, embracing necessary technology by the villagers of south Thimphu.

How will you support small business and entrepreneurs in our city?

If one makes some cash from selling garments, all Bhutanese tend to flock for opening of garment shops. The business people need to be made aware of business opportunities; accessing seed money for new enterprise is important for them to grow but institute a transparent system of paying back capital. The small enterprises could form a federation so that they have better bargain. There are many government departments, NGOs and international organizations trying to support small business. These entities need to be better coordinated for more harmonized support for growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. They also need to participate in trade fairs and expos for more exposure.