Pema Chewang
Kanglung – Samkhar – Udzorong, Trashigang
With only days away from the poll day. How do you see your chances of forming the government?
We have worked hard for it and we are confident that the people of Bhutan will give us the mandate to form the government. As in the past, we believe that our people will choose a new party to run the government. In fact, we have witnessed a massive growth in the number of supporters and volunteers in the last one month. At BTP, we have continued to work hard since day one. Although a new party, we have achieved a lot in winning the trust and confidence of our people. I am also proud and fortunate to have a team of brilliant, reliable, hardworking, talented and experienced candidates. With their insights and intelligence, we developed one of the most comprehensive political manifestos that genuinely reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people. Besides many other examples, this is how we work as a team and we are more than ready to assume the mandate and the responsibility to form the government.
You say that the country’s economy is in shambles. Yet your party is promising many freebies. How do you reconcile the two?
We are not promising many ‘freebies’. Our approach to rebuilding the economy and achieving high income status is by adopting a strategy that unleashes the economic potentials of each household, chiwogs, gewogs, dzongkhags and the nation as a whole. This strategy is already in place. However, we have pledged some special allowances to senior citizens, the differently-abled and vulnerable groups. These are investments we are making to uplift the lives of our vulnerable groups in the process of reducing inequality and an effort towards making our societies progressive.
PDP asserts their economic strategy involves attracting investors through grant projects, while BTP claims to generate funds by harnessing domestic resources in agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and mines (ATIM). However, voters are skeptical about the feasibility of both parties’ approaches to revitalizing the economy. How confident are you in effectively boosting the economy within a five-year timeframe?
We must understand that Bhutan economy is driven by government spending which is again dependent on grants and aid. If we are to progress we need to bring about structural transformation in our economy and stand on our own feet. ATIEM has been laid as the foundation of our economy for decades but the full potential of these sectors haven’t been explored. The potential of these sectors are limited by redundant rules and regulations, systemic flaws and institutional barriers. Once we relax redundant rules, regulations, laws and policies and remove all systemic barriers, it will create a conducive environment and unleash opportunities for the people to enhance their income.
We must first enhance our domestic production by working in close collaboration with the private sector while using government spending to create more jobs and opportunities for the private sector.
Employment, education, roads and infrastructure, preserving Bhutan’s culture, preserving the environment, and health care. Parties have been pledging development in these areas every election. How is it going to change if your party is elected?
Our prosperity should be shared fairly and every Bhutanese should have the chance to realize their talents and succeed in their lives. We want every Bhutanese to get a world class education so they stay ahead and be fit for the developed Bhutan. We will create platforms for our people to dwell into lifelong learning. We look forward to keeping our teachers motivated and their morale high at all times.
Our health manifesto is based on the premise that a healthy population is crucial to economic prosperity. As we continue to move forward in the 21st century, marked by digital and AI advancements, it is imperative that we take a fresh look at our approach to delivering the “Sowai Zhabto”. We will strengthen the six fundamental building blocks of the health system; health service delivery, health workforce, health information, access to essential medicines, financing and leadership that forms the foundation of our healthcare system.
To create more employment opportunities, we will develop a National Skills Policy to identify and address the future and chronic skills shortage across different occupations and assist every unemployed youth to reskill, retrain and reequip with 21st century skill in partnership with the private sector.
The importance of state-of-the-art infrastructure cannot be overstated. This is why BTP will formulate and implement the National Infrastructure Plan with an estimated investment outlay of Nu. 50 billion to stimulate the economy, create jobs, enhance logistics efficiency, promote trade for optimal utilization of existing infrastructures and construct innovative and quality infrastructure.
What would you do to avoid the fractionalization of Bhutanese society because of party politics?
We call for inclusivity, unity and peace. If BTP is given the mandate to form the government, we will win the hearts of the people, irrespective of their political affiliation, race, gender or ethnicity.
The world talks about branding. What is the image of Bhutan that you would like to portray to the world?
We envision a prosperous Bhutan with a vibrant economy, a happy society and thriving communities where our values, tradition and culture are deeply entrenched, yet a modern society where innovation is impelled by enormous digital assets.
What would be the single-most reason for your victory, if the party wins this election?
The single most reason for our victory would be our people, who have placed their trust and confidence in BTP albeit being the newest party. We are extremely grateful to the people for taking us through the Primary round.
This election has been unprecedented in a way the violations of election rules occurred with presidents, candidates and party workers getting warned and penalized. What happened?
As far as BTP is concerned we have diligently followed the electoral laws and regulations and our candidates have also ensured the same. For the record, none of our candidates, other than me, was fined. Few of our supporters have been fined for overlooking some rules and it wasn’t intended to tarnish the image of other parties.
As for the fine imposed on me, whatever I said was nothing but fact. BTP is a new party and I am new to politics. Therefore, it is my duty to tell the people where I worked and what I have achieved. To create a level playing field with an oldest party, it was necessary. When it reached the dispute settlement body facts were blown out of context. I refuted the allegations with an eight page rebuttal but it was ECB’s call. I respect the decision and paid fine, if that makes the game even.
Will we see any female ministers in your Cabinet?
It is too early to comment and not a priority right now. At the moment our priority is to win.
Your last words to voters..
I want to express my gratitude to the people for giving me the opportunity. It was an enriching experience.
We believe that time and circumstances have made people wiser to know that people alone can initiate change and today is the time to bring about radical reforms in our country, as we stand as an inflection point. With a sound and thorough understanding of the ground realities and equipped with a perfect team, BTP is determined and committed to create a brave and bold new Bhutan, if given the mandate.
As we go to the polls, I urge the people to recall His Majesty’s vision for a prosperous Bhutan and vote with honor and integrity because it’s not just a vote but your voice and your hope for the next five years.
Tshering Tobgay
Sangbaykha, Haa
With only days away from the poll day. How do you see your chances of forming the government?
We’ve been humbled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm we’ve seen from the people of Bhutan. Our campaign has resonated deeply, and we believe in our ability to form a government that represents the aspirations and needs of our citizens. However, elections are unpredictable, and we trust in the democratic process. We’ve put our best foot forward and await the verdict of the people.
You say that the country’s economy is in shambles. Yet your party is promising many freebies. How do you reconcile the two?
Our party’s manifesto isn’t just a list of promises; it’s a meticulously researched plan that has been extensively consulted upon and tailored to meet the genuine needs of our citizens. Our short-term pledges are aimed at mitigating the short-term needs of our society, while our comprehensive economic reforms, rooted in our manifesto, are long-term strategies to uplift the economy sustainably. We don’t take these commitments lightly; they are a solemn promise to the people of Bhutan that we are fully dedicated to delivering on.
PDP asserts their economic strategy involves attracting investors through grant projects, while BTP claims to generate funds by harnessing domestic resources in agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and mines (ATIM). However, voters are skeptical about the feasibility of both parties’ approaches to revitalizing the economy. How confident are you in effectively boosting the economy within a five-year timeframe?
The PDP, acknowledges the pressing issue of our country’s struggling economy. We’ve devised a comprehensive strategy, the 15 Billion Economic Stimulus Plan, to steer our economy back on track and restore confidence among our people. This plan entails multifaceted approaches, including bolstering various sectors like agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and improving the ease of doing business in Bhutan.Additionally, our focus on hydropower aims to propel our economy to greater heights. We take these commitments seriously—they’re our solemn assurance to the people of Bhutan that we are steadfast in our dedication to delivering tangible results.
Employment, education, roads and infrastructure, preserving Bhutan’s culture, preserving the environment, and health care. Parties have been pledging development in these areas every election. How is it going to change if your party is elected?
Our commitment isn’t merely about pledging development but executing pragmatic strategies. We’ll focus on actionable plans tailored to the needs of the people. Our emphasis lies on effective implementation, ensuring that promises translate into tangible improvements in employment, education, infrastructure, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and healthcare.
What would you do to avoid the fractionalization of Bhutanese society because of party politics?
Unity and inclusivity are core values of our party. We aim to foster a political environment where differing ideologies coexist harmoniously. We’ll encourage dialogue, respect diverse opinions, and prioritize the greater good of Bhutan over partisan interests, regionalism and divisive politics.
What is the image of Bhutan that you would like to portray to the world?
Bhutan is an example of happiness, sustainability, and cultural richness. We want the world to see us as a nation that balances progress with traditions, cherishes its natural beauty, prioritizes the well-being of its people, and values the vision of our monarchs above all else.
What would be the single-most reason for your victory, if the party wins this election?
Our victory would be a testament to the people’s trust in our vision, leadership, and commitment to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for ‘a better Drukyul’. We believe our policies resonate with the aspirations of Bhutanese citizens across diverse backgrounds.
This election has been unprecedented in a way the violations of election rules occurred with presidents, candidates, and party workers getting warned and penalized. What happened?
Each election comes with its own set of hurdles, but our priority remains unwavering: ensuring a fair and transparent campaign. While some infractions may have taken place, we’ve been prompt in addressing them, emphasizing the utmost importance of ethical behavior and adherence to electoral regulations. Preserving the integrity of the electoral process is paramount to us. We commend the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) for rigorously enforcing the rules, evident in the numerous penalties imposed.
Will we see any female ministers in your Cabinet?
We value inclusivity. However, our current priority is securing a favorable outcome in the election. If entrusted by the people to lead the Government, decisions regarding the cabinet will promptly ensue.
Your last words to voters..
To the resilient and wise people of Bhutan, your support and participation in this democratic process are invaluable. Your voice shapes the destiny of our nation. We ask for your trust, not just in a party, but in a vision for a Bhutan that thrives, preserves its heritage, and embraces progress for all. Let us move forward together towards a brighter future. Your vote is not just for the People’s Democratic Party, but for ‘a better Drukyul’.