… sends two MPs in governing party to National Assembly again

Yangyel Lhaden

The public of Tsirang voted for experience and evidence of past successes, according to voters.

“Both parties have similar manifestos, but we wanted an experienced party in times of an economic downturn,” said CB Lama, 69, voting from Kilkhortang-Mendrelgang. “The people of Tsirang have decided to cast their votes for an experienced party, considering the record of accomplishments during PDP’s previous tenure.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won from both constituencies, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang won in Sergithang-Tsirangtoe and Kamal Bahadur Gurung took Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang seat.

Tshering Dema,70, said that during challenging times, an experienced party would be beneficial. “We want the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) to learn about politics as the opposition so that they would be experienced to serve when they form the government.”

Winning candidate, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, 33, said that he wasn’t surprised by the election result and people’s support for him.

“I was surprised by the primary round election result,” he added.

He acknowledges that PDP’s good record influenced people to vote for him, but he said that his talent in personal relationships and ability to convince people also played a role in gaining their trust. “I assure you that I will serve Tsa-Wa-Sum with utmost dedication and fulfil the promised manifestos.”

Gopal Thapa, 56, the Bhutan Tendrel Party’s candidate for Sergithang-Tsirang Toed, said that the result represents the people’s verdict, and he respects their decision. “The PDP candidate from the constituency is a young man, and I hope he uses Tsirang’s resources well and translates the manifestos into reality, benefiting the people.”

He said that being a last-minute replacement for the previous candidate in the constituency, and the insufficient campaign time wasn’t the sole reason for his loss. “Not belonging to a party that people favour is another important factor in winning or losing elections.”

Gopal Thapa said that the general election result was clear – people vote regionally, and the south plays a crucial role in deciding which party wins. “Whoever the south favours, that party wins, and there is a trend that the south has always favoured a prime minister from the west.”

The Bhutan Tendrel Party’s candidate from Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang, Dhan Bahadur Tamang said that the result was unexpected, given the significant support he received until the blackout period. “My campaign went well, and I was hopeful to win.”

“It is difficult to read people’s minds, and that could change anytime,” he said.