When the general elections begin in March next year the contest for seats in seven of the 47 constituencies in the National Assembly are likely to draw much attention.
These are the constituencies where the seven former ministers, who retired this last week, will take on lay citizens for a berth in parliament.
One candidate has described the contest as “orange versus white,� referring to the orange scarves of the ministers and the white scarves of the ordinary citizens.
In the orange corner are Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, Lyonpo Jigmi Singay, and Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering.
Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering from the upper Thimphu constituency will contest Dr. Tobgyal Wangchhuk, and from the South Thimphu constituency Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba against Sangay Dorji, a Thimphu based businessman. Former chief election officer, Kaka Tshering, will contest Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk from Lamgong/Wangchang constituency in Paro: singer Jigmi Drukpa against Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley from Nanong constituency in Pemagatsel: former labour director, Tenzin Lekphel against his cousin Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu.
Right now most voters are of the opinion that the former ministers would win easy, but their opponents are, no less, optimistic.
“People are expecting change, they are not satisfied with what is going on,� said Dr. Tobgyal Wangchhuk. “It is up to the people now. If they want new ideas and change, they will vote for change.�
Dr. Tobgyal Wangchhuk said that there were greater chances of losing but winning would be the biggest stepping stone to a career in politics
Tenzin Lekphel who will take on the former finance minister said: “They didn’t have to depend on the people to become a minister but now people will decide. I don’t think I am intimidated, nor should anyone in my shoes be. Politics, I believe, is the domain of the brave, the confident and the self-respecting – not an arena of the weak and the self-doubting. Whether I lose or win, you can be sure that I will give it my best shot.�
If it is the people who will decide the winner, the responsibility of voting for their representatives becomes heavier for voters. “Lyonpos will, no doubt, have an edge,� said Kaka Tshering. “But I have a good chance too because I believe I have the assurance of the people in my constituency.�
For some contestants, winning or losing is secondary, compared with the privilege of contesting against a minister in a free democratic election. “We are here not just for the short term,� said a contestant. “We are here for the long term.�
But finding a candidate to take on the ministers is not easy to find. For instance, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) is still without candidates to contest Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup and Lyonpo Jigmi Singay. A spokesperson for the party said that they could not find a suitable candidate to contest from Mongar constituency because of reservations from their candidates to contest from Kabji/Talo constituency against Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup. “It is the fear factor,� he said.
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup is, however, expecting a strong opponent. “In an election, you should never underestimate your opponent or take them lightly,� he said. “I am imagining a strong contestant and I am preparing for a fierce competition.�
Going by what observers say, those in the white corner stand a fair chance as well. “We need change which is personified by the young aspiring candidates,� said an observer.�
Tenzin Lekphel, 40, believes that he is the one. “I believe that I represent youth, vigour, energy and enthusiasm. Being young I will be more ambitious and driven to deliver.� Source: Kuenselonline
