Bji – Kartshog – Uesu, Haa

Registered voters: 4,418 | Male: 2,099 | Female: 2,319

Tshering Dorji

Age: 48

Work experience: 7 years as Lecturer, SheRUBtse College, 10 years NC member, 5 years as public service

Education: M.SC

Your favourite Bhutanese song?

It depends on the mood. For now, the celebration of National Day is still lingering in my mind and I can’t help but hum to the tune of Kupar composed by Tandin Sonam

How would you describe your opponent?

He is young but confident, difficult to judge but interesting. 

A lesson politics has taught you.

Give your best but don’t expect anything in return. 

What can be done to address the significant digital divide faced by rural communities?

Provide connectivity, improve and enhance the network.

What is Bhutan’s biggest challenge towards becoming self-reliant?

Mindset. It is about time we realise that we have the precondition necessary to realise the profound vision of self-reliance. 

As an educator, what are your plans to enable teachers to do a better job?

Improve their working conditions. Focus on their professional growth because an investment on teachers has an immense multiplier effect. 

Working as a consultant and being a former member of NC, do you think you have a better chance at winning than your opponent? Why?

yes because I have carried out my responsibilities to the best of my ability as a member of NC. The voters of my constituency are wise and matured, and they know that I will live up to their expectations. 

You are contesting in the same dzongkhag as the rival party president. How does that impact your chances of winning?

Most people in my constituency quote this old Bhutanese saying: It is better to take care of your own dog than neighbours’ man. So I have their love and support and I am happy being the dog.

If you lose this election why would it be?

The same reason as why I lost the NC election in 2018. That is the unkind political breeze from the south. 

Lhendup Wangdi

Age: 37

Work experience: Assistant Lecturer (3years) and Entrepreneur (8years)

Education: BBA (Accountancy)

Your favourite Bhutanese song? 

“Druk Zhung Dena Gami Ga” holds a special place for me as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of Bhutanese culture and spirit through its melodic composition and patriotic lyrics.

How would you describe your opponent?

My opponent exhibits a strong ability in oration, which is an admirable skill in the realm of public discourse.

A lesson politics has taught you.. 

Politics has taught me the critical lesson of balance—never underestimating the impact of decisions, yet avoiding overestimation that could lead to complacency. It’s essential to evaluate situations with clarity and objectivity.

What can be done to address the significant digital divide faced by rural communities?

Bridging the digital divide in rural areas requires a multifaceted strategy that encompasses several crucial components. Firstly, establishing robust infrastructure forms the backbone of connectivity, ensuring reliable networks and upgraded systems capable of meeting the technological demands. Alongside infrastructure, accessible training programs play a pivotal role, empowering communities with essential digital skills through workshops and educational initiatives. Additionally, ensuring affordability through subsidies or partnerships with technology firms is imperative, making technological solutions financially accessible to rural populations. Sustainability is equally crucial, necessitating ongoing support mechanisms, maintenance services, and continuous education to adapt to evolving technologies.

What is Bhutan’s biggest challenge towards becoming self-reliant?

Bhutan’s pursuit of self-reliance faces a dual challenge in economic revival and harnessing the potential of its growing youth population. The country aims to balance traditional values with modern economic strategies to create opportunities for its youth, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed for sustainable economic growth. Revitalizing the economy while addressing the aspirations and needs of the burgeoning youth demographic is crucial for Bhutan’s path towards self-reliance. 

Therefore, We at PDP have developed a well-researched and robust manifesto aimed at addressing the challenges of economic revival and harnessing the potential of Bhutan’s growing youth population.

Having lived and worked in Haa as an entrepreneur, what changes would you bring to help entrepreneurs if you are elected?

As an entrepreneur who has lived and worked in Haa, I aim to implement comprehensive changes. Town planning initiatives and the establishment of a streamlined system for entrepreneurs to manage payments and paperwork remotely will significantly ease operational burdens.

You are new to politics, why should the people of your constituency vote for you?

I believe the people of my constituency should vote for me because they recognize my competency in improving various aspects of our community, including enhancing the Bji-Kar-tshog-uesu. My commitment to progress and dedication to service are qualities that align with our constituency’s needs.

You are contesting in the same dzongkhag as your party president. How does that impact your chances to win? 

Running for office in the same dzongkhag as our party president holds immense potential to bolster my electoral prospects. It offers a valuable opportunity to present a unified front, capitalizing on our shared vision and policies. This synergy enhances our collective appeal to the electorate, portraying a powerful alliance that embodies both guidance and fresh perspective—a dynamic akin to a ‘master and apprentice’ relationship, amplifying our influence and resonance among voters.

If you lose this election why would it be?

If faced with a loss in this election, it might stem from my straightforward approach. While honesty is crucial, political landscapes often demand nuanced communication, which I am continuously learning and adapting to. The effort is towards securing a win by striking the right balance between forthrightness and the art of nuanced messaging, ensuring that my honesty resonates while effectively addressing the diverse needs and expectations of the electorate.