The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will have six new candidates for the parliamentary election in 2024. The former candidates are not contesting due to age factors and some due to personal reasons. The party is now looking for candidates as they prepare for the election.
Former ministers Dawa Gyaltshen and Nandalal Rai and, former deputy speaker, Chimi Dorji cannot contest the election due to the age limit. A candidate should not be not more than 65 years old at the time of filing the nomination.
The party’s candidates from Ugyentse-Yoeseltse constituency in Samtse, Mani Kumar Pradhan, Karma Drukpa (PhD) from Nanong-Shumar constituency in Pema Gatshel and Sonam Tshering from Khar-Yurung constituency in Pema Gatshel are bowing out of the race.
But the talk of the town is that some more candidates including a former minister are leaving the party.
“We have two new candidates. So, we need four more. Moreover, we need to confirm with a few other candidates by the end of this year,” said Kuenga Tashi, the Party’s Secretary-General.
For now, the party have just two women candidates. And they are looking for potential women candidates.
The former ruling party lost in the first round of the 2018 parliamentary election.
The Secretary-General also said “We could analyze the work done by the ruling and opposition parties. During these five years, we are doing some research on education, economy and developmental works for the future.”
Even after being the first registered political party, just two candidates of the People’s Democratic Party won the election in 2008. Since then, voters have always opted for a change of government. Will the trend favour the party this time? Only time will tell.
Tshering Zam
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
