Dechen Dolkar  

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) declared nine candidates yesterday for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Of the nine, the candidate for Radhi-Sakteng is new.

According to PDP, in the last five years, candidates have been working in various institutions and offices.

“Their experience, knowledge and commitment to national service remain an added value to the party to serve the nation better,” the party said.

Sonam Wangchuk, 49, from Radhi, will contest from Radhi-Sakteng constituency in Trashigang. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Canberra.




Sonam Wangchuk is a communications specialist, health expert, and he was working under the Ministry of Health.

Harka Singh Tamang will contest from Gelephu constituency in Sarpang. The 62-year-old has BA (Hons) in Urban Geography from DAV College, Chandigarh, India.

He has worked as zonal planning officer, under-secretary, deputy director, joint director of RSTA, and executive secretary of Gelephu Thromde.

Kamal Bahadur Gurung, 55, is the candidate for Kilkorthang-Mendrelgang Constituency in Tsirang. He has a Master of Engineering (Electric Power System Management) from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.

He served as an executive engineer and senior project manager at erstwhile DOP and in Bhutan Power Corporation.

He was a former National Council member.




Rinzin Dorji, 46, is the candidate for Phuentsholing constituency. He served as a gup before venturing into politics. He is the first graduate gup in Bhutan.

He was also NA member of Phuentsholing Constituency between 2013 and 2018.

Novin Darlami, 37, is the candidate for Sergithang-Tsirang Toed. He was NC member between 2013 and 2018.

A former banker, Phuntsho Dhendup, 37, is the candidate for the Nubi-Tangsibji constituency of Trongsa. He served as the branch manager of Bhutan Development Bank in Trongsa before joining PDP in 2018.

Former Assistant Auditor General, Chandra Bdr Gurung, 46, is the candidate for Lhamoidzingkha-Tashiding in Dagana. He is an award-winning auditor who resigned in 2018 to join politics. He has Master of Environmental Management and Development degree from Australian National University, Australia.




Pema Drukpa, 40, is the candidate for Khamaed-Lunana constituency. He is currently pursuing MBA at the University of Canberra, Australia. He served as an MP from 2013 to 2018. Pema served as the Project Manager with Trans Bhutan Trail.

Kuenga, 46, from Gyelekha is the candidate for the Nyisho-Saephu constituency in Wangdue. He served as an MP from 2013 to 2018.

So far, PDP has declared 20 candidates for the 2023 election. PDP has 18 new candidates from the 47 confirmed candidates.