Voters want to go collecting when their candidates come to power

The first round is over and voted-with, and people await the general round of elections, but meanwhile the members of the electorate have already started to up their expectations in return of their precious votes.

A 35-year-old Narath Prasath Rejal from Pelrithang, Sarpang voted so that his problems in the village are addressed by the person and party he has voted for.

“Some 18 years ago, three acres from my land was taken by Army since it land fell under their area. The survey was done long time ago, and even now I am staying in a rented house at Seng-gye gewog,” said Narath Prasad.

He intends to make his vote count by taking up the issue with the candidate he voted for. In this boat of issues he is not alone, as many seem to have land issues, which need to be resolved, and preferably by the candidates they have trusted and voted for.

“I have no other demands, but for my land issues to be solved,” said another village resident.

For some, bad roads which need renovation top the wish-list.

Bal Bahadur Tamang, a 29-year-old driver from Zomlingthang village says he voted for his choice of candidate and party so that there is a proper road till his village. He said currently the 3 kilometers of road which starts from the highway and ends at his village is troublesome for everyone.

“Proper road is our only wish, and we hope our votes don’t go to waste when the candidates come to power,” he said.

Dumbar Bahadur, 43, also from the same village said because of rough roads, house owners have a hard time looking for tenants. “People come here, look the house, but they don’t like to stay at the place because of the bad road conditions.”

At the same time there are also those who feel that even before people start demanding, the elected candidate should assess the need for developmental works and prioritize.

“That will be the first reason why we placed our faith in the candidates for whom we voted,” said Usen, a 46-year-old village resident.

However, what comes to her mind as an immediate area for attention is the construction of bridge over Sheytey Khola between Zomlingthang and Pemathang, which will hugely benefit the people during the monsoons.

“We have a big problem during summer when the river swells, and our children face problems going to school,” said Usen.