The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Lang-Nyelsa Chiwog in Chapcha gewog, Chukha, has lone candidates contesting for the Gup and Mangmi posts. But they have two candidates contesting for the post of Tshogpa.
Dawa Pemba, 48, is contesting for gup while Dorji, 26, is contesting for Mangmi. Both made it through the preliminary round where Dawa Pemba secured 154 and Dorji secured 150 votes of the 160 votes cast,
Businessman Dawa Pemba, a graduate of the Royal Technical Institute from Rinchending (Kharbandi), said he decided to contest to take the opportunity to serve the country.
“The government has done a lot for the people through free health and education despite many challenges. We never knew the value of free services provided by the government during our young age,” he said adding that while one could serve the nation in the private sector, working with the people and government would be more satisfying.
Dawa Pemba said that because of his initiative to address issues in the chiwog the people always encouraged him to come forward to represent the Chiwog and so this time he did. “I have 50 percent to 60 percent hope of being elected,” he said
Dawa Pemba said that when compared to other gewogs in Chukha Dzongkhag, Chapcha gewog is considered to be more developed gewog but it still needed further development. “I am going to talk to the people on further development which is needed in the gewog during my campaign.”
The lone Mangmi candidate, Dorji, said he hopes to encourage youth to participate in local governance. After completing primary education Dorji became a monk and two years ago he worked as a Dzongkha teacher in a private school in Paro.
Dorji said that he would emphasise more on issues raised by the people and link them with government’s plan. He would also work towards making services more convenient within the community.
“I am happy that I got elected from my Chiwog but I am not sure of getting elected in final round. But I won’t get disheartened even if I don’t get elected because what people need is capable leader who can serve them,” Dorji said. “I took part to serve the nation and I don’t mind if someone else gets elected, after-all we are contesting for the same purpose and that is to serve the nation.”
This story was made possible with support from Bhutan Media Foundation and SDC
