The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dasho Tshering Tobgay, introduced three new candidates on 23 June. The party has declared 27 new candidates for the 2018 National Assembly elections so far.
Former deputy Secretary General of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kesang Wangdi, 50, is PDP’s new candidate for Khamdang-Ramjar constituency in Trashiyangtse.
In a career spanning 24 years, he served as the regional secretary of BCCI Regional Office in Phuentsholing and as the secretary of Private Sector Development Committee. He also served as a board director of Bhutan Argo Industry Ltd., Druk PNB Bank Ltd., Druk Ferro Alloys Ltd., Accounting and Auditing Standard Board of Bhutan and Royal Institute of Management.
In addition, he also served as interim governing board member of Bhutan Red Cross Society (Queen’s Project) and member of the Royal Monetary Authority’s Drafting Committee for rules and regulations for Fund Management Company and Reinsurance Company. He also served as project manager of GPP Bhutan, EU Project, SEID Bhutan, EU Project and as focal point for SAARC TPN Bhutan.
Kesang Wangdi said that he would make the best use of his 24-years experience in the private sector in formulating policies that will further drive private sector growth.
“The PDP government has prioritized private sector development through rural enterprise development, cottage and small industries, foreign direct investments, etc., and we are all witness to how these initiatives have directly benefited our economy and particularly our people,” said Kesang Wangdi.
He has a Master’s degree in Business Administration (International Business) from University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Thailand.
He replaces the current incumbent MP Sonam Dondup from the same constituency. Barring the age criteria PDP has been replacing candidates based on their performance and feedback from constituents.
Phuntsho Dendup, 33, is PDP’s candidate for Nubi-Tangsibjee constituency in Trongsa. He started his career as an administrative officer at Bhutan Polythene Company Limited, and he later worked as project officer of Bhutan Development Bank Limited for the western region. He then served as assistant branch manager and branch manager of Bhutan Development Bank Limited in Trongsa.
Phuntsho Dendup said he joined PDP because he strongly believes that PDP is a political party that has promised and delivered, and that he was inspired by PDP’s commitment to serving the people. “As a young candidate, I would like to represent the voice of the youth and young men and women in our country and contribute positively to nation building,” he said.
He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) with specialization in finance from Gaeddu College of Business Studies.
Kuenzang Thinley, 34, is an hotelier and businessman, and PDP’s candidate for Chhoekhor-Tang constituency in Bumthang.
After completing his college education, Kuenzang Thinley, also known as Kaila Kuenzang took over his family business and since then has been managing it. He was also PDP’s candidate in 2013.
“I joined politics in 2013 to serve the country better and in a meaningful way. And I am back as PDP’s candidate so that I can win the trust and confidence of the people this time,” said Kuenzang Thinley. “PDP has done a great deal in the past five years, fulfilling almost all its ambitious pledges, and I am confident we can achieve more in the next five years and beyond.”
Kaila Kuenzang will be contesting against a political bulwark like, the Opposition Leader, Dr Pema Gyamtsho (PhD) in the constituency. However, he said, election is about offering competitive choices to the people. “As a young candidate, I have the energy, drive and commitment to make a difference in my community and politics is a step toward a much bigger cause, to offer my service to the nation,” he said.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (specialized in marketing) from Bangalore University, India.
