Chhoekhor – Tang, Bumthang
Registered voters: 6,832 | Male: 3,204 | Female: 3,628
Pema Norbu
Age: 50
Work experience: Worked for more than 27 years as a teacher and principal
Education: Master’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Paro College of Education
What was your inspiration to become a politician?
Bhutanese are indeed fortunate to have our Monarchs guided us through all thick and thin and transform Bhutan where we stand now. Deriving inspiration and motivation from sacrifices made by Monarchs for the wellbeing, peace and sovereignty of our country motivated me to join politics in the service of the Tsawa Sum.
What is one thing Bhutan needs from the political parties today?
Bhutan first
What do you think about your opponent?
A person with perseverance in the service of the people.
The parties in general elections have only a few female candidates. Why?
Bhutan will see little over 6 percent of female candidates participating for this general elections. In future, Bhutan needs to empower women, leadership and create awareness among others, at all levels of societies, so that women can take part in political processes like any other.
How do you think your work experiences will make you an effective representative of your constituency?
Over the 27 years of my experience in the civil service, I had the opportunity to serve as educationist and Welfare Officer. Teaching youth minds in different levels of schools had helped me to see and experience the needs and challenges of young minds, my associations with both local governments as Welfare Officer helped me to experience the issues and challenges faced by the people at the grass roots and local governments, my experience in the central agency as manager helped me to understand the issues and challenges faced and the central level.
With all these experiences, having worked at the community, Gewog, Dzongkhag and central level, I feel I can represent my constituency effectively.
What are the two problems of your constituency that you will prioritise to address?
Good connectivity road and income are two most priorities among others.
You are a new face in the elections this year. Why should you be the voters’ choice?
I’m showing my face in politics for the first time. This does not mean I know no politics. My experience in the civil service for 27 years in various capacities and my deep connections with people, Bumthaps will find me more meaning in supporting my candidature to echo their voices in the Parliament.
Kuenzang Thinley
Age: 39
Work experience: Business Entrepreneur
Education: Bachelors of Business Management
What was your inspiration to become a politician?
My inspiration to step into politics stems from a deep-seated commitment to support and uplift my community. With a strong network within my Dzongkhag, I aim to leverage these relationships for the holistic development of my constituency.
What is one thing Bhutan needs from the political parties today?
Bhutan requires capable leadership and experienced political parties to steer the nation. Confidence and competency are crucial traits that political parties must exhibit in reshaping our nation’s future.
What do you think about your opponent?
I hold my opponent in high regard as a gentleman and anticipate engaging in a campaign characterized by mutual respect and healthy competition.
The parties in general elections have only a few female candidates. Why?
The limited presence of women in elections results from societal norms, party barriers, confidence issues, family-career balance challenges, and ingrained stereotypes. We need a holistic approach: shift attitudes, promote equality, support women in parties, create inclusive policies for a diverse political scene.
I greatly admire women in politics; they’re trailblazers. Let’s push for more women in leadership roles, enriching our political sphere with diverse perspectives and expertise.
How do you think your work experiences will make you an effective representative of your constituency?
With over 15 years of experience in the private sector within my locality, I possess an intimate understanding of the challenges and needs of my constituency. This firsthand knowledge positions me as the ideal representative for addressing these concerns.
Drawing from my extensive 15-year tenure in the private sector within our locality, I have assembled an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted challenges that our constituency encounters. This experience has been instrumental in understanding the needs our community faces daily. From economic hurdles to infrastructural gaps, I have witnessed and navigated these issues firsthand.
What are the two problems of your constituency that you will prioritize to address?
- Developing Bumthang Throm: Improving infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities to elevate living standards and promote economic growth in the area.
- Enhancing Agriculture and Education: Supporting farmers with modern techniques and market access while investing in education facilities for better learning opportunities.
These focused priorities aim to not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for sustained growth and prosperity within our constituency. Through strategic planning and targeted efforts in these areas, we aim to create a thriving, balanced, and prosperous community.
You have already contested in the elections before. What is different this time?
This marks my third term participating in elections, and what sets me apart this time is the accumulated experience in politics. I’ve earned trust and confidence from my constituents over the years. They know me well in terms of my character, attitudes, and behaviors, making interactions more comfortable and trustworthy.