LG: Two candidates will contest for the post of thrompon in the upcoming local government elections in Lhuentse.
Tshering Dorji, 39, recently resigned from the forest department where he was working as an assistant forest officer in Punakha. He served in the government for 15 years. Today he resides in Lhuentse thromde with his wife and helps to sell groceries.
Tshering Dorji has a Bachelor of Commerce from Bagwant University in Rajhastan, India.
Although originally from Tsakaling gewog, Tormashong in Mongar, Tshering Dorji transferred his census to Lhuentse.
Tshering Dorji said that he can draw on his 15 years of experience and knowledge gained in improving Lhuentse thromde. “I am not sure that if I will win the election but my family and many friends asked me to contest since there was no one else with similar experience to develop the thromde,” he said.
He also pointed out that he has experience in implementing plans, and knowledge of thromde rules and regulations. As a result, he decided to take the risk and resign from his job.
He said that since the 1990s, there has not been much change in Lhuentse thromde. He explained that there is still a lack of a proper drainage system, traffic congestion and drinking water and sanitation problems. He added that access to 24-hour drinking water, sanitation, waste management and drainage are some of the activities that need proper planning and permanent solutions.
Samten Tshering, 26, is the other thrompon aspirant. He graduated with an IT degree from RVS college, Tamil Nadu, in 2014. For the last one year, he has been working for the Dejong Hyundai motor company.
“I am not bothered about winning or losing but participation is a must,” said Samten Tshering. “If I win I want to show that even a young graduate can also implement activities. We just need ideas, examples, do more study and research.”
Samten Tshering pointed out that having experience does not mean a candidate is better than one without.
Of five siblings, Samten Tshering is the second youngest.
With six constituencies, Lhuentse thromde has 52 registered voters.
Tashi Phuntsho | Lhuentse