From proposing policies and laws that will benefit every Bhutanese to questioning, reviewing and recommending government measures to frame policies that will bring about balanced development across the country, the National Council MPs have huge responsibilities. Add to that is the people’s expectations that all their needs be taken care of. For the National Council MP of Zhemgang, there will be an added responsibility. The people of Trong Gewog want to vote for a candidate who will lift Zhemgang from its poorest district status. According to the Poverty Analysis Report, Zhemgang has the highest poverty rate in the country.
Dhamngoi Dzomdu is over, and the election process has moved into the next phase. The campaign period for the NC elections started yesterday and the common forum has yet to kick off. The nominated candidates are back in their areas to lure voters.
However, that will not be an easy task. Unlike in past elections, rural voters today are hard to influence. The villagers seem adamant about choosing a candidate who can understand the everyday problems the rural communities of Zhemgang face. Talks are abuzz among the different sections of people including among the office goers, the town residents, farmers and even at construction sites. Their backgrounds may vary but there is one thing in common; their will to elect a representative that will lead and elevate Zhemgang to new heights. For now, all that the voters are waiting for are the aspiring candidates’ pledges.
“Whoever gets elected should know that Zhemgang has the highest poverty rate in the country and we have eight gewogs that require so much attention. We also expect that our representative should at least solve certain issues faced by the people at the Gewog level, if not at the Chiwog level. He or she should work as a bridge between the people and the government and hope to solve our issues,” said Tshewang Rinzin, a resident from Tingbi Pam.
“I came here to vote and select a capable candidate through this Dzomdu because Zhemgang is considered as having the highest poverty rate in the country and far behind in terms of development. So, from our side, we are determined to elect a very capable and dynamic NC representative,” said Karma Choden, a resident from Tama.
Sonam Jamtsho from Subrang village said, “we want a candidate who knows the laws well and who can look into and address the challenges people on the ground face.”
With more than a month remaining before the poll day, the majority of eligible voters are convinced the election results this time will significantly impact the district. They expect their representative to table discussions on the poverty reduction policy, and balanced regional development policy in the parliament to bring about positive change in their lives.
Zhemgang has about 21,000 eligible registered voters.
They will choose from the five aspiring candidates nominated from the Dhamngoi Dzomdu which ended recently.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Phub Gyem
