DPT's Ugyen Wangdi, 39, is from Baging village under Dremitse gewog. He has an LL.M. from Dalhousie University, Canada. He was the Chief Legal Officer with the Office of the Anti Corruption Commission when he resigned to join DPT. He is married with two children.

1. Your lo

Lu (Sheep).

2. "Democracy is a government where you can say what you think even if you don't think." Do you agree?

No. Without adequate advocacy and public education on democracy, people may be misguided and the end result would be the formation of a weak government. Therefore, lots of preparation and advocacy programmes are required.

3. What makes a good politician?

A person with a high degree of integrity and morals and earnestly willing to serve the people and the country with dedication.

4. In what ways have you contributed to your constituency?

I cannot make claims of any contribution whatsoever. Whatever development programmes came to my constituency, it is due to the visionary leadership of His Majesty the Kings.

5. How aware are the people in your constituency about democracy?

Most of the people know how to press the button on the electronic voting machine (EVM) but a majority of them do not understand the essence of democracy with a good and strong government.

6. What are your chances of winning?

60 to 70 percent.

7. Three issues facing your constituency?

Lack of motor roads, income generating opportunities, and electricity.

8. One lesson you learnt after joining politics?

Politics is not what most people think it is. It involves a lot of preparation and sacrifices.

9. Is Bhutanese politics getting dirty?

Yes. Being a legal professional and a former employee of the Anti-Corruption Commission, it is totally unacceptable. Money is being used to hinder people from exercising their freedom of choice. Candidates must work hard to institute an exemplary democracy in the region and the world.

10. What strength do you enjoy in your constituency?

The support of the people.

11. Why did you not join the PDP?

It was the choice of the people of my constituency.

12. Your opponent is ...

I respect her and wish her good luck.

13. What was the last book you read?

"The Words of my Perfect Teacher" by Patruel Rinpoche.

14. Do you watch movies?

I enjoy watching historical movies and local productions.

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

If politicians know about the rights, roles and responsibilities of the media and media law as well, interference would be less. Politicians should help the media report the information correctly.

16. How important is money in politics?

If you have sufficient resources, you can make frequent visits to interact with the people of your constituency and adequately educate them on the process of democracy. However, there is the danger of excess resources being misused for buying votes during the election.

PDP's Namgay Om, former director of the National Institute of Education in Paro, is from Ngatshang, Mongar. She has a M.A. from Syracuse University, USA, and has worked for more than 28 years in the education sector. She is 49 and single.

1. Your lo?

Never ask a lady her age, and a gentleman his salary.

2. "Democracy is a government where you can say what you think even if you don't think." Do you agree?

I disagree. Democracy is about exercising one's rights with right thinking and responsibility.

3. What makes a good politician?

Someone with wits, guts and tact.

4. In what ways have you contributed to your constituency?

I like to believe that I served as a role model for young women in my constituency to pursue higher education and a professional career. I also gave up my job for the opportunity to serve the people of my constituency and do my part to ensure democracy succeeds in our country.

5. How aware are the people in your constituency about democracy?

We are all at a learning stage.

6. What are your chances of winning?

I am confident.

7. Three issues facing your constituency.

Upgrading roads, telecommunications and educational facilities.

8. How will you address them?

By prioritizing and implementation through party policies and programs.

9. One lesson you learnt after joining politics.

There is opportunity for women in politics, and they can have a significant and positive impact on our political process.

10. Do you think Bhutanese politics is getting dirty?

We are in the process of ensuring Bhutanese politics re mains transparent and clean.

11. Your strength in your constituency?

A woman's voice.

12. Why did you join PDP?

I was attracted to the bright and cohesive team of candidates in the PDP. They are energetic, fresh-thinking and open-minded. And, I saw for myself what the party president achieved when he was in Education.

13. My opponent is ...

... my shadow.

14. What was the last book you read?

"What Makes You Not a Buddhist" by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.

15. Do you watch movies? What kind?

Occasionally - comedy.

16. What should the politician do and not do to encourage Bhutanese media to function freely?

Be open and accessible to media. But media should report correctly without playing favourites.

17. How important is money in politics?

Whether we like it or not, it is. For instance, most candidates are living off savings having given up their jobs ­ some have even taken small loans just to survive. My advice to future politicians: save some money before joining politics ­ you can't live off ideals and fresh air.