DPT's Tshering Tenzin, 47, from Menbi village, was the chief information and media officer at BICMA before he joined the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. He has a Bachelor's in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy. He worked for Telecom from 1985 to 2000.

1. Your favourite proverb?

Ney mawoom ley rimdo dha chhu mawom ley yuwa selni dhi gyel chhey.

2. A good politician is ...

A patriotic person, who can be a true servant of country and people, and who is always concerned about the people's welfare and the nation's priority.

3. Why should people vote for you?

People should be voting for a party with a capable leader and its members, besides having met the qualification criteria of ECB, should have had a fairly good number of years in experience to government and in public service. It is very important that a candidate is well aware of the grassroot problems of that constituency.

4. One thing you recently discovered about Bhutanese voters?

A majority of the rural population is still not very clear about how to decide their voting and why. They need to be educated on a regular basis by the concerned bodies and individuals.

5. What are your chances of winning?

Nothing can be predicted as yet, since it's to be decided by the people of my constituency. Either way, I'm comfortable, since it will ultimately be my fate that will be decided from above.

6. What according to you is the most pressing problem in your constituency?

People being misinformed and misled.

7. How would you address them?

Continue to educate them on the principles of democracy, the critical role every citizen will play in the new system, the obligation and moral duty and responsibility of all citizens in making democracy a success in our country.

8. How aware are the people in your constituency about elections?

Refer back to answer number 4.

9. "Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions - it only guarantees equality of opportunity." Comment.

I wish democracy be introduced first in the country. It may then help me to comment more sensibly.

10. Given a chance, which ministry would you like to head?

May not be appropriate to say anything at this point.

11. Describe yourself in three words.

Simple and decent living with high faith in religion, i.e. Buddhism.

12. Why did you join politics?

Instigated by new changes and the urge to serve better my people and country.

13. Why did you join the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa?

Inspired by great party leaders of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa.

14. Your opponent is ...

A good friend, who's a social and respectable person.

15. What was the last book you read?

Lekshey Langdhor.

16. Who is your role model apart from the king?

Our party president Jigme Yoezer Thinley.

17. What is the drawback of media in Bhutan today?

Media in Bhutan is still young. We all are at a learning stage. But I have firm belief that media will develop in a sensible way, to fulfill its moral duty and social obligations, with right perspective, towards making democracy a success in Bhutan.

18. What should be done to ensure that elections are free and fair?

I wish all individuals and institutions, after understanding the essence of democracy, to be equally responsible for a good democracy in the country. Implementation of election rules will have to be ensured by responsible agencies and the voters.

PDP's Yeshey Dorji, 35, from Shongmey village, was a senior planning officer in the agriculture ministry before joining politics. He had served as a civil servant for nine years in different government agencies and has a Master's in Biology from Missouri-Saint Louis University, USA.

1. Your favourite proverb?

Sepa Lha gi se rung, mapa rang gi se go.

2. A good politician is ...

... someone who can gain the confidence and support of people and serve them in return.

3. Why should people vote for you?

Because I will serve them with humility.

4. One thing you recently discovered about Bhutanese voters?

They are very serious about their voting rights.

5. What are your chances of winning?

I am quite confident of winning.

6. What according to you is the most pressing problem in your constituency?

The Menbi-Tshenkhar constituency still practices subsistence farming despite vast production potential.

7. How would your address them?

I would strongly lobby in Parliament for the "Triple Gem Concept" - enhancing production, increasing access and improving marketing, as propounded and implemented by Ministry of Agriculture.

8. How aware are the people in your constituency about elections?

I would rate 50:50.

9. "Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions - it only guarantees equality of opportunity." Comment.

I agree with Irving Kristol. This is because anyone with a solicitous mind would realise that, without the guarantee for equality of conditions, the guarantee for equality of opportunity becomes futile.

10. Given a chance, which ministry would you like to head?

Ministry of Agriculture.

11. Describe yourself in three words.

Aspiring young politician.

12. Why did you join politics?

To shoulder the sacred responsibility that has come down to the Bhutanese people from the Golden Throne.

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

The PDP has a dynamic and visionary leader, supported by well qualified, experienced and diverse professionals.

14. Your opponent is ...

... a worthy opponent.

15. What was the last book you read?

A Portrait of Bhutan by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

16. Who is your role model, apart from the king?

The party president Sangay Ngedup.

17. What is the drawback of media in Bhutan today?

It lacks adequate resources to provide quality information.

18. What should be done to ensure that elections are free and fair?

Besides voter education and the implementation of election laws, we need to ensure that all polling stations are adequately serviced.