Kanglung – Samkhar -Udzorong, Trashigang
Registered voters: 12,417 | Male: 6,017 | Female: 6,400
Pema Chewang
Age: 56
Work experience: 32 years in Civil Service (Militia Officer, MoF, World Bank, GNHC, Gyalpoi Zimpon Wogma, Secretary for NLCS & Eastern Covid19 Task Force)
Education: Master of Development Economics
Democracy for Bhutan is..?
A responsibility bestowed upon us by our visionary monarchs and people must take this responsibility seriously by exercising our franchise without fear and favour. The essence of democracy is good governance and we must achieve this by choosing a political party that will bring peace, stability, unity and economic prosperity.
What is politics to you?
A means to serve the King, Country and People. I was in the civil service for the last 32 years and I have put service before ambition. However, I was only able to fulfil the responsibilities that was assigned to me and I didn’t have the mandate to solve the multisectoral and multifaceted issues ailing our country. Our country has reached an inflection point and I would repent my whole life if I don’t come forward to serve when the country is in need. It is the need of the hour and that’s why I joined politics.
Bhutan’s biggest challenge today is..?
We are confronted with twin demographical challenge- low fertility and the exodus. I see a grave issue if we don’t address this and it will impact our economy the most and even our sovereignty if we remain complacent. There is no time and we must bring radical transformation, starting from a simple public service delivery to economic transformation. As we graduate from LDC at a time when our economic vulnerability index is still far from the threshold, we are also confronted with host of social issues such as youth unemployment, rural-urban migration, poverty, gender inequality and quality of education among others. There is a lot to be done but once we revive our economy, streamline redundant rules and regulations, correct systemic lapses and institutional barriers, I think we will be able to resolve other issues with ease.
Why did you choose to become a politician?
I did not choose but circumstances demanded. As mentioned above, our country is confronted with multiple issues and it has reached an inflection point. Now leaving the past behind, and moving towards the future, we have a dynamic vision and ambitious target set by His Majesty The King. It is the government of the day’s responsibility to recast His Majesty’s vision and translate them into actions. Having worked for 32 years in civil service, particularly at His Majesty’s Secretariat and National Land Commission, I took it as my moral responsibility to serve the country when it is needed the most. Leaving behind my comfortable job and entitlements, I come forward to offer better choices to people. Listening to His Majesty’s address to the nation on the 116th National day, I am happy that I made the right decision. We are here to support our King in our endeavour to make Bhutan a high income nation.
Many say without money you can’t win the election. What do you think?
For a new party like BTP, mobilising fund is the biggest challenge. At this point in time, we are unable to pay our office bearers and coordinators. It’s important to keep our head office and Dzongkhag offices running. However, I don’t believe that without money one can’t win the elections. In the last 15 years of democracy, our people have matured. I am confident that our electorates will not sell their votes. Our votes are invaluable since it’s a grave responsibility bestowed upon us by our Monarchs. We, Bhutanese are inherently driven by Tha-Dam-Tse and lay-jumdrey.
Do you have any plans for the three colleges closed in eastern Bhutan?
We call for regional balanced development but that doesn’t mean we will open a floodgate of investment entirely in the east. However, we believe that any infrastructure that exists must be put to optimum use and that the above three colleges can also be used.
Kanglung was identified as a regional hub but nothing happened. Will you act on it?
Town development and planning is our priority. We will revisit the previous plans and act on it for the larger interest.
You have an advantage over your opponent because of your background in civil service. Will it help you win the election?
You can never predict the outcome in politics. I may have the advantage because of my background but ultimately, it is the will of the people that will determine the results. May the best win.
Norbu Wangchuk
Age: 53
Work experience: Former Minister (Education)
Education: MBA, PGCE (Education)
Democracy for Bhutan is..?
Democracy for Bhutan is a space that empowers every Bhutanese a decent chance for a flourishing life. The Bhutanese Democracy should be the ecosystem where diversity, inclusivity, and national cohesion must thrive. Our democracy must allow for every individual to serve the Tsawa Sum in the best potential.
What is politics to you?
Politics to me is a sacred platform to serve my King, country and the people. It is because this platform is very precious and sacred, we must compete for it through elections every five years. Politics is hard and difficult but the opportunity to serve at the highest platform is truly rewarding. Having been in politics and having seen the shine and the rain, my respects to all those brave men and women who have stepped into politics.
Bhutan’s biggest challenge today is..?
Today, the biggest challenge for us is to make Drukyul better than the one we inherited like our forefathers did for centuries. We are in the midst of challenging times with major wars ongoing, economic vulnerabilities at its peak, climate change posing existential threats. Within the country, the circumstances are not very kind. Economic challenges, emigration and dwindling fertility have put us on an ‘inflection’ point!
Our biggest asset that ensured our survival and growth is unshakable “LOVE” for our country. As a nation, for centuries, generation after generation, we fought off all challenges and bettered our nation. Every generation’s past has, through their blood and sweat, built a better Drukyul and passed on to their children with the deepest of love for the country.
At this inflection point, our greatest asset should serve us well to cross over for a better Drukyul with the clarity of the vision outlined by His Majesty.
Why did you choose to become a politician?
I am a politician by accident. It had not been my choice. But having been on the journey, it had been very fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to travel all corners of our country and met with people whom I would not ever have crossed paths. Most importantly, as a politician, it aroused my love for my country – having to worry about its future, participate in fashioning solutions to the problems and partake in the vision of our country.
Many say without money you can’t win the election. What do you think?
Unfortunately, money is increasingly becoming a part of our elections. We must at all cost avoid a situation where children of rich parents have better prospects to win an election. Stringent election laws, deep advocacy and strict monitoring should help to downplay the role of money in elections.
Do you have any plans for the three colleges closed in eastern Bhutan?
The three colleges in the east including the one in Yonphula has been established to bring about regional balance in development. The Yonphula college adds to the vision of Kanglung as the Education Hub for the country. PDP’s plan for Kanglung as the education hub includes revival of Yonphula College, repurpose the former Kelki School, enhance Sherubtse College, and revive Jampeling School as the earlier central school.
Kanglung was identified as a regional hub but nothing happened. Will you act on it?
Kanglung is the only gewog that has received a special mention in the PDP manifesto. PDP plans to re-create Kanglung as the national Education hub taking off from where it was left during the PDP government. Besides reviving the Yonphula college and Kelki School, Kanglung will see establishment of a regional machinery Center at Khangma, upgradation of the hospital, development of the township and a cinema hall!
You have an advantage over your opponent because of your background in politics.
Will it help you win the election?
With the primary round results, the choice for the voters of Kanglung, Samkhar and Udzorong has come down to me as the member of the government or to Dasho Pema Chewang as the opposition leader. It is a reasonable interpretation with PDP having won 39 constituencies and BTP with only 4 constituencies. The people of my constituency know me as someone who has delivered on my promises, and has served the people of three Gewogs to the best of my abilities. I rest my case to the greater wisdom of the residents of my constituency.