Out of 47 seats required by a political party to contest in the 2013 elections, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) has 31 candidates confirmed.
“We are not at all disappointed with the progress we have made so far. The focus being to garner candidates, we have managed to rope in some of the best. Their integrity, sincerity of purpose and intelligence are beyond doubt and, given the chance, we pretty much feel we have the wherewithal to take this country forward,” said the party’s spokesperson, Dr. Tandin Dorji.
He said 11 seats from the 17 constituencies in the eastern Dzongkhags have been confirmed. The six districts of eastern Dzongkhags are Trashigang, Mongar, Lhuentse, Trashiyangtse, Pemagatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar.
From the western part of the country, DNT has nine indentified candidates. The seven Dzongkhags of western Bhutan has 14 constituencies. The seven Dzongkhags are Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue, Haa, Gasa, Chukha and Punakha.
In the central Bhutan, out of the six seats in the three Dzongkhags of Trongsa, Zhemgang and Bumthang, four seats are filled.
In the southern Bhutan dzongkhags of Samtse, Sarpang, Dagana and Tsirang out of the total of 10 seats, 7 are filled.
The average age of the confirmed candidates is 44 years. Only four candidates above 50 years. 17 are in the forties. Nine are in the thirties. The youngest is 29 years old.
“The fact that they are also fairly young, the average age being 44, gives us the confidence that they will be energetic, creative, not be afraid to dream big and implement big,” said Dr. Tandin Dorji.
He said in terms of qualification, 23 of the confirmed candidates have master’s degrees in various fields such as economics, business management, politics, HRD, engineering, among others. Only eight of the confirmed candidates are with bachelor’s degree
As far as work experience is concerned, 80% of the confirmed candidates have at least 15 years behind them.
“This crop of people, I would say, is the generation next. They deserve the opportunity to prove they can shoulder the responsibilities of leading the nation. And they can. We don’t believe in the indispensability of anyone nor should anyone try to perpetuate that belief.”
The party has five women candidates confirmed. DNT say they are aiming to get at least 15 women candidates.
“The identity of Nyamrup Tshogpa is taking shape – as a party driven by young and energetic people with intellectual acumen, drive and pragmatism,” said the party’s spokesperson.
