LG: Except for the gup of Lauri gewog, Pema Dhendup, most of the incumbent gups in Samdrupjongkhar are likely to contest again in the upcoming local government elections.

Despite new candidates vying for the posts, most of the gups who wish to contest again, said that they have good support from the constituents.

A few said that although five years was enough to gain experience, it was not enough to complete some of the developmental activities in the gewogs.

There are 11 gewogs in Samdrupjongkhar.

Serthi Gup Kencho Chophel said that it would be unfair to stay home after five years when one can still serve the people.

Gomdar Gup Lungten Wangdi said: “I decided not to re-contest, but people want me to re-contest.”

With just 30 households in Samrang gewog, Gup MB Gurung said that the basic amenities have already come to the gewog. It is time, he said, others should be given the opportunity to serve as gup.  “I didn’t want to re-contest even as people have been asking me to contest again. We’ve capable candidates vying for the post and I am confident they can serve well.”

Martshala Gup Yenten Dorji, who might have to face his uncle and cousin, had similar reasons. Phuntshothang Gup Sangay Wangdi decided to contest again.

“People feel I have already served for 10 years and I should let others vie for the post. But there are a few more activities that I haven’t been able to complete and the next five years will be enough to complete all my unfinished development works,” said Sangay Wangdi.

Pema Dhendup feels that the opportunity should be given to young people. “It would be unfair if I keep grabbing the opportunity. I feel I can serve people even as a farmer with the experience that I have gained.”

At least 20 aspiring contestants in the dzongkhag have registered for functional literary test.

Yangchen C Rinzin |  Samdrupjongkhar 

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