As the Poll Day for the Thromde Elections of Phuentshogling and Thimphu draws closer, aspiring candidates are busy campaigning and garnering votes. In Thimphu Thromde, there are two candidates vying for the post of Thrompon. Sonam Choden and Ugyen Dorji will be competing for the post to represent more than 9000 voters and to run a thromde where the majority of the country’s population resides.
Contesting for the first time, 44-year-old Sonam Choden pledges to prioritise improving water connectivity and making pedestrian walkways safer.
Sonam Choden, representing the Changgangkha constituency, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from James Cook University in Australia. She has worked as a journalist, communications professional, and administrator.
Sonam Choden has identified improving water connectivity as one of her top priorities.
She said, “If you talk to anybody, I have heard that they do not have proper drinking water. I would like to take out a report on water status. From there, it will be disseminated to all the people for them to see and also know where the water they are drinking is coming from, how much have been spent, and what kind of pipes have been used.”
She also pledges to improve pedestrian walkways by making them safer, more accessible, and convenient for residents, encouraging a more walkable city.
“We have an ageing population who visit the chorten every day, and students who walk to school daily. If we look at the Changangkha area, the congestion shows people and vehicles competing for the same road. It is a disaster waiting to happen, so we need to provide proper pedestrian walkways.”
If elected, she says she will focus on improving parking facilities, drainage and waste management, carry out road maintenance and support for small businesses.
Seeking another five-year term as Thimphu Thrompon, 45-year-old Ugyen Dorji pledges to prioritise addressing water shortages and improving public service delivery.
Ugyen Dorji, representing the Jungshina-Kawajangsa constituency, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Canberra in Australia. He has served as Thrompon for the past five years and previously worked in urban planning.
He also pledges to improve water connectivity, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply across the city.
Ugyen said, “After discussing with residents, they say that if they have a reliable water supply, they have everything they need. We have covered almost 90 per cent of the water supply in and around Thimphu, but I will focus on the remaining areas and work towards achieving 100 per cent coverage.”
If elected for a second term, he says he will strengthen public service delivery by making services more efficient, responsive and accessible to residents.
“I am focusing on public service delivery because people need to access services. For that, it is vital to have a convenient place where people can express their needs and complaints, and receive the services they require.”
He also pledges to improve public transport services, enhance urban management, develop open spaces and parks, redevelop Norzin Lam, and construct two bridges to improve traffic circulation.
Deki Lhazom/Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
