DPT's Ugay Tshering, 39, is from Lobneykha, Chapcha gewog. He did his schooling in St Augustine's, Kalimpong, and graduated from Sherubtse College in 1993 with a B.Com degree. A businessman by profession Ugay Tshering is based in Phuenstholing and has two children.

1. Your favourite proverb?

"Toap lha dang darung, Jheba me¹h dang toen go."

2. What is democracy?

A government ruled by the will of the people, respecting rules of law and going by the mandate of the constitution.

3. Why did you join the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa?

The name Druk Phuensum Tshogpa itself speaks out loud and clear, the call of country, development and participation of the people. The alliance of like-minded people who give paramount importance to stability, continuity, efficiency and transparency of the party for all time to come.

4. Which ministry would you like to head given a chance?

Well, isn't it a bit too early to say anything.

5. If you become prime minister, what is the most pressing problem you would like to address?

"Uneasy lies the head who wears the crown." The PM has to spend sleepless nights. Each and every problem has to be treated as pressing problems, no matter how miniscule the work you embark upon, the benefits shall percolate to people impartially.

6. How do you intend to address the problem/issue?

By laying a strong foundation for democracy and providing fair and equal opportunity.

7. Do you think you will win? How do you rate your chances of winning on a scale of 1-10?

Aspiration of the voters in my constituency adds to my winning card, but I do not look in comparative terms of winning or losing. A candidate has no luxury to relax on the laurels of winning. Every day is a challenge.

8. What will you do if you lose?

It is now my responsibility to travel to every village under my constituency to educate and explain the meaning and essence of democracy. Yet if I fail, I will resume where I left from.

9. What do you think of your opponent?

Political opponent is not to be taken lightly but, at the same time, we are not the enemies of war. I wish him good luck.

10. What according to you is the most important skill to be a good politician ?

The ability to listen, understand and deliver.

11. Who is your role model apart from the King?

Rajiv Gandhi.

12. What was the last book you read?

The Da Vinci Code.

13. Where would you like to see Bhutan ten years from now?

Fully democratised and happiness of our people be the new formula to measure GNH.

14. What is the role of media in democracy?

A watchdog of government, not a mouth-piece. An analytical informer and not a gutter press.

15. Is Bhutanese politics getting dirty?

It is completely raw now and as it progresses, the test of time will hammer, chisel and mould.

16. How important is money in politics ?

No vibrant democracy functions without money nor will it function in a barter economy.

PDP's Kinzang Dorji, 42, from Bongo has served various institutions for 19 years. He has a master's in Social Anthropology from Oxford University, United Kingdom. A father of two children, he used to be the joint director of the department of local governance before he resigned in July.

1. Your favourite proverb?

If you cannot be friends, do not be enemies

2. What is democracy?

It is a system that empowers people to choose their leaders responsibly.

3. Why did you join the People's Democratic Party?

I am one among thousands of Bhutanese, who have trust and confidence in the sincerity, selfless and proven leadership of Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup. Besides, PDP's "Service with Humility: We Walk the Talk" is a down to earth ideology. The PDP has an exceptional group of down to earth professionals with wide experience and proven competence. Very few ministers besides Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup would know what meal has been cooked in the pots and pans of a remote village, be it in Kheng Bjoka, or in Cheyul of Getena. Essentially, I would always go for a practical leader, who will walk the talk and is genuinely committed to serve the people.

4. Which ministry would you like to head given a chance?

I am happy to be a good parliamentarian in the National Assembly.

5. If you become the prime minister, what is the most pressing problem you would like to address?

Public service delivery in the country.

6. How do you intend to address the problem or issue?

By fostering professionalism at the work place, and the responsive and timely delivery of public services by the government and public sector.

7. Do you think you will win? How do you rate your chances of winning on a scale of 1-10?

At this moment my assessment is 8 out of 10.

8. What will you do if you lose?

I have not yet contemplated failing to win. Since I have vowed to serve my country and the people above all, our beloved monarchs, I will continue to dedicate my services in that direction. A person with a clear conscience never loses.

9. What do you think of your opponent?

I don't know anything about my opponent since I did not have the opportunity to meet with him yet.

10.What according to you is the most important skill to be a good politician?

Sincerity.

11. Who is your role model apart from the King?

My late brother, Dasho Rigzin Dorji.

12. What was the last book you read?

The Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen.

13. Where will you like to see Bhutan 10 years from now?

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo's sacred Gross National Happiness realized. Our enlightened monarchs, through their unparalleled wisdom and intelligence, continue to guide Bhutan towards peace, prosperity, and happiness. A clean, corrupt free and exemplary Bhutanese democratic system founded.

14. What is the role of the media in democracy?

It is the most powerful tool in shaping the opinion of the people. It should therefore, inform and educate people on good democracy. Media's role is becoming more important especially at this hour of transition. Even in the eagerness to communicate democratization, the media must see that our history is not forgotten and that our democracy is founded on the deeper principles and values that are quintessentially Bhutanese.

15. Is Bhutanese politics getting dirty?

During my familiarization tours, I have been overwhelmed to discover that our rural folks are fairly informed of democratic process and their responsibility in choosing a leader, that will take forward the noble visions of our great monarchs in ushering peace, stability and happiness. They have a clear choice when it comes to their leadership. I see the distortion and filth in politics is the making of certain educated groups in Bhutan.

16. How important is money in politics?

As of now, money may not be an important element in Bhutanese politics. Until now I have been going about on a very small budget.