LG: Two of the 15 outgoing gups in Wangdue have decided not to re-contest in the upcoming local government election.

Rubesa Gup Gyeltshen and Gasey Tshogwom Gup Sangay have decided not to re-contest.

Gup Sangay, 65, of Tshogwom said he is not eligible given his age but that he has also been ill for a long time.

Sangay said he is optimistic that the upcoming candidates will be able to serve the people with dedication and hard work. There are three aspiring candidates for the post of gup in Tshogwom.

“I am satisfied that on completion of five years, the gewog has not just completed the remaining works from the 10th plan but also that 11th Plan works were planned and executed during our tenure,” said Sangay.

Some of the major works completed during the five years include five new farm roads and maintenance of two existing farm roads. They also completed work on a lhakhang in Shingkhay chiwog and three lhakhangs were renovated in the 10th plan.

Outgoing Rubesa Gup Gyeltshen, 56, said that although still eligible he has decided to give the opportunity to the younger generations. Rubesa gewog has around four aspiring gup candidates. Some people even approached him and suggested that he re-contest, he said.

Gup Gyeltshen said he has gained enough experience in planning developmental activities to policies, rules and regulations, and implementation of plans. Dealing and resolving problems was another worthy experience that taught him the importance of the role of gup, he said.

“As a local leader, we even had to sacrifice our social life and personal works,” he said.

During the past five years, eight new farm roads were completed, he said. They also reconstructed two lhakhangs at the Shaley Kashirawa Goempa and Phaysigoempa and restored four lhakhangs.

“We restored around 16 choetens that were vandalised through financial support from private individuals and labour support from the people,” he said. The gewog also restored around 13 irrigation channels and constructed 30 drinking water connections.

Meanwhile, the local leaders in Wangdue were notified to carry out the handing-taking over of  works today. The outgoing gups aspiring to re-contest will soon register for their candidature along with other aspiring local leaders.

Dawa Gyelmo |  Wangdue