DPT's Ugen Tenzin, 44, from Tshaphel village, Eusu gewog, is a recipient of the gallantry award of Druk-Yugyal for his contribution as a militia volunteer during the flush-out operation in December 2003. He also served as a Militia Officer from 1991-1995 during the height of the southern problem. He has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Policy from the United States and was a Joint Director with the National Environment Commission before resigning in January 2008.

1. Your favourite proverb?

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

2. Why should people vote for you?

I have always maintained a strong link with my people back at home and they know me well for helping the needy people at my personal level. I had served the country selflessly when its sovereignty was threatened in the past.

3. Is democracy the best form of government?

The only reason why His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, despite unwillingness from the parliament and people of the country, instituted this form of government and further enshrined in the Constitution.

4. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I joined politics to be in it for a long time. However, the result of the upcoming elections would direct my future road map to see myself 10 years from now.

5. Are you into politics for the long haul or is it just a one-time attempt? 

This is something I wanted to take part with the hope to set an example in serving the needy and therefore I will be in it for a long haul.

6. From 1-10, rate your chance of victory?

Considering the manifesto of DPT, based on the goal of "Growth with Equity and Justice" and with the good intention of my joining politics to serve the needy people, I am quite confident of winning.

7. Are voters educated enough to make the right choice?

The people in general are exposed to all types of free media and information in Bhutan and should be able to make the right choice and hope that they will not make the mistake of their life.

8. What are your priorities for the people of your constituency?

Besides general issues on education, health, road and agriculture production, the three priorities would be: tourism facilities for gainful employment and income generation for general public and business community; deregulation that would benefit the general populace; resolve human and wildlife conflict.

9. Tell us about your opponent.

We are from the same constituency and know each other well. She is well educated and equally served the Royal Government for a long time. As a result, I am optimistic that she will agree to set an example in Haa among the 20 Dzongkhags in upholding the fundamental right of the people to conduct free and fair elections.

10. Should Bhutan join the WTO? 

Yes, joining any major convention and organisation further indicates and upholds a true sovereignty and autonomy. However, there are benefits and obligations to be a member of such conventions.

11. What was the last book you read?

'Undaunted Courage' by Stephen E Ambrose.

12. Should Bhutan History be taught in Dzongkha?

This is a serious issue and not to take a chance on unless a serious sectoral discussion or a technical analysis is carried out by the experts.

13. What should the politicians do and not do to encourage Bhutanese media to function freely?

First, politicians must ensure that the regulatory tools are in place as per the wishes of media personnel and in line with international standards to ensure free and fair media intervention.

14. Do you think it is possible for the election commission to check campaign spending?

EC has already put in place mechanisms to check their spending and it is just matter of implementing on the ground. Such practices would otherwise set a bad example and people would lose faith in the election process, while use of monetary power would escalate in future elections. It is time to give a serious thought now.

15. What is your opening line when you meet voters in your constituency?

"Kuzuzangpo, I have served the nation and the countrymen in the past and now I have come to serve you at the local level ..."

PDP's Nim Dem, 52, is from Dumcho village in Eusu Gewog, Haa. She has a Master's Degree in Education. During her twenty-eight years service in the Education Ministry, she served as a Principal, District Education Officer, Head of Personnel, and Director of Adult and Higher Education. She is married with two daughters.

1. Your favourite proverb?

Action speaks louder than words.

2. Why should people vote for you?

I am trustworthy, honest and people have confidence in me.

3. Is democracy the best form of government?

Yes, if it functions properly - if our people, including civil society and politicians, exercise their rights sensibly and abide by our constitution.

4. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

So much is happening right now that ten years seems very far away. Besides, where I am ten years from now will depend to some degree on what happens on the 24th of March.

5. Are you into politics for the long haul or is it just a one-time attempt?

I joined politics to serve the country and our people in the best way I can, for as long as I can, and for as long as the people will allow me.

6. From 1-10, rate your chance of victory?

I can confidently say that I have a very good chance of winning - say 9 out of 10. 7. Are voters educated enough to make the right choice?

Voters in Haa are very aware. They will weigh the two parties and candidates carefully and make the right choice.

8. What are your priorities for the people of your constituency?

To improve their quality of life through: ensuring basic services such as safe water, roads, electricity, telecommunications, and better quality health and education facilities; enhancing rural income through increasing agriculture and livestock productivity, diversifying farm and off-farm products and marketing support; supporting cottage industries; expanding tourism; and, supporting women's participation and job creation.

9. Tell us about your opponent.

Since he has just joined, all I know is that we are from the same gewog.

10. Should Bhutan join the WTO?

Eventually, yes.

11. What was the last book you read?

'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying' by Sogyel Rimpoche

12. Should Bhutan History be taught in Dzongkha?

Our national language is an integral part of our identity and we must promote it. My concern, however, is that teaching Bhutan History in Dzongkha may not serve this purpose, due to constraints our schools face, such as the inadequate number of teachers prepared to teach history in Dzongkha.

13. What should the politicians do and not do to encourage Bhutanese media to function freely?

As stated in our manifesto, politicians should respect the right to information as enshrined in our constitution, and encourage media to self- regulate according to the highest ethical standards, minimizing the need for external interference.

14. Do you think it is possible for the election commission to check campaign spending?

Yes, because all candidates will be limiting their campaign period expenses to the one lakh given by the ECB.

15. What is your opening line when you meet voters in your constituency?

"Kuzuzangpo la! I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to stand before you as a candidate to the first parliament under our new system of government ..."