Dramedtse – Ngatshang, Mongar
Registered voters: 14,885 | Male: 7,161 | Female: 7,724
Kinzang Wangchuk
Age: 51
Work experience: 25 years in civil service
Education: B. Tech. in civil Engineering
One thing you are proud of as a Bhutanese.
A rich culture and tradition which holds Bhutan unique to the outside world makes me proud and should strive further to strengthen this uniqueness in the process of participation in democracy.
Your favorite song is.
A boedra “ Rangsem kar ga mey kar”
Your weakness is.
Perfectionism
What comes first – economic development or democracy?
Some argue that economic development is a prerequisite for the establishment and sustainability of democracy, while others believe that democracy is essential for promoting inclusive economic development. For Bhutan, to my opinion, it has to coexist as we are just in growing stage- democratically and economically.
One thing in the electoral process that can be improved.
While ours is a young democracy, we need to go a long way in improvement of our electoral process- voters education, election rules and regulations, to name a few.
Why would you be a better representative for your constituency?
I have a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of the people of Dramedtse-Ngatshang for I have a right expertise and leadership to take my constituency to next level of development as I have the ability to collaborate and negotiate, and a commitment to serving the best interest of the community. I have a clear vision to build a safe and reliable road network connecting each and every geogs of the constituency to help increase their household incomes- from subsistence farming to commercialization of agriculture through reliable market with cold chain storage facilities.
If elected, one change you would bring to Dramedtse-Ngatshang?
Is to build safe and reliable road connectivity in conformity to Engineering Standards which would benefit not only to Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong but also for the whole country. The reliable road network connectivity is the key element for any country to thrive economically and socially. In addition to this, commercialization of agricultural farming backed by reliable irrigation system and human wild life conflict solution through reliable market to sell farm produce.
If you lose this election, why would it be?
In the world of democracy, it is to do with the number of votes and will depend on various factors- campaign strategies, pledges, affiliation to the party, etc. While winning and losing is a part and parcel of life, my opponent might be a better choice for the people of my constituency.
Tobgay Tobgay (PhD)
Age: 49
Work experience: After 13 years he resigned from Department of Geology and Mines to teach at the University of Texas, the USA
Education: Ph.D. (Geology)
One thing you are proud of as a Bhutanese.
Bhutan has adopted unique approach to measuring national progress through the concept of Gross National Happiness instead of solely relying on economic indicators. As a Bhutanese myself, I take pride in this approach that prioritizes happiness and well-being over purely economic gain.
Your favourite song.
Waltzing Matilda.
Your weakness is.
I am a hard working person who always strive for perfection and I have difficulty saying no to people.
What comes first – economic development or democracy?
The relationship between democracy and economic development may vary between countries as different countries experience different pathways to achieving economic development and democracy. Some countries prioritize either economic development or democracy at different stages in their history. With exception to a few countries achieving significant economic development without embracing Western-style democracy, many Western countries positive correlation between economic development and democracy.
One thing in the electoral process that can be improved.
In 2018, the introduction of postal ballot facilitation booths drastically increased voter turn-out. However, discontinuation of postal ballot facilitation booths in the Primary Round of 2023-24 NA election has significantly reduced voter turn-out. In order to improve voter turn-out and ensure inclusivity, postal ballot facilitation booths may be re-introduced.
Why would you be a better representative for your constituency?
Having achieved the highest possible qualification from one of the renowned Universities in the United States of America with 23 years of experience in the field of geology, mining, and hydropower, I possess leadership, integrity, communication skills, and commitment to serve the people of Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong. In the last five years, I have visited every nook and cranny of Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong and interacted with the people to understand their difficulties. This has helped me understand their difficulties and propose practical solutions to address them. With the qualification and experience, I have a vision for the Demkhong, a vision to uplift the livelihood of the people and ultimately transform Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong a better place to live.
If elected, one change you would bring to Dramedtse-Ngatshang?
Currently, there is no economic activity in Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong. I intend to bring three hydropower projects (i.e. Sherichhu Mini HPP, Gongri HPP, and Jerichhu-Gongri Integrated Pump Storage) to stimulate economic activity. This will create job opportunities for the people of seven Gewogs and market to sell local products.
If you lose this election, why would it be?
It is up to the people of Dramedtse-Ngatshang Demkhong to decide and choose the right candidate. If I lose this election, it will be because of the negative campaign, spreading false information, and failure to recognize my qualification, experience, and vision for the constituency.