DPT's Dorji Wangdi, 38, is from Mewangang village under Goshi gewog. He has a B.Com. (Hon.) degree from Sherubtse College and an MBA from the Netherlands and has been a civil servant for the past 13 years, working in the planning commission, the ministry of finance and the cabinet secretariat. He is married and has two children.

1. Your lo?

Bja (Bird).

2. "You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose." Comment.

It tells a lot about traditional politics and politicians. But the new direction, particularly which DPT is trying to set, is to say "To bend other's mind like a bow, one's mind should be straight as an arrow."

3. What is the biggest challenge of being a politician in Bhutan?

Low literacy rate.

4. How popular are you in your constituency?

Popularity is neither a means nor an end for me. I can say that I am fondly appreciated by the people of my constituency.

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

A large section of the people are quite aware now, but there is still a long way to go.

6. What are your chances of winning?

Very high.

7. Three burning issues facing your constituency?

Lack of motor roads, electricity and market accessibility.

8. How will you address them?

Roads needs to be prioritized first.

9. In your opinion, why is Panbang so underdeveloped?

Basically wrong focus in the past resulting in a lack of road infrastructure.

10. What will you do if you lose?

I will work hard to repay gratitude to my parents and raise my family.

11. Why did you join politics?

To fulfill His Majesty's vision of introducing parliamentary democracy in Bhutan. 12. Why did you choose to join DPT?

The party is in the best position to fulfill the true aspirations of His Majesty and the Bhutanese people. 13. Any regrets joining politics?

Life could have been more secure in the civil service, but I am committed to work for a greater cause for my country and its people. I am happy about my decision. 14. Do you think there should have been a third party?

Ideally, yes. For the time being though, I think two parties is good enough for Bhutan. 15. Tell us about your opponent.

He is a kind and accommodating person. 16. The last book your read?

Bardo Thoedrel Chenmo (Teachings on Liberation through Hearing) 17. How important is media to politicians?

It is an indispensable organ in responsible nation building. Being responsible should be its first and foremost duty. 18. Do you think Bhutanese politics is getting dirty?

We hear a lot about this these days. But I don't want to think it is becoming so. It is possible for Bhutanese politics and politicians to become a role model to the world.

PDP's Sangay Dorji, 52, is from Budhashi village, Goshing Geog, Zhemgang. He has a B.A. (Hon.) from Punjab University, a post-graduate diploma in Development Administration from Birmingham University, U.K., and completed the IAS course in Mussorie, India. He worked for 21 years in various capacities and dzongkhags under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. He is married with three sons and one daughter.

1. Your lo?

Luk (Sheep).

2. "You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose." Comment.

It's true in some cases. Poetry is seen to have a pleasing and flowery quality, while prose is more direct and practical. But it will not apply to parties with negative campaigns.

3. What is the biggest challenge of being a politician in Bhutan?

It is to make the people understand their rights and duties, so that the best candidates are elected to office. Currently, the people are getting misled by misinformation spread by a few individuals and party workers.

4. How popular are you in your constituency?

I have very good support as seen during my recent familiarization tours.

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

They are quite aware, thanks to the initiatives of our Fourth and Fifth Druk Gyalpos, and ECB's voter education.

6. What are your chances of winning?

My chances are very good as there is considerable support from the people for the PDP and my candidature.

7. Three burning issues facing your constituency?

Lack of infrastructure, such as motor roads and electricity, lack of economic development and income generating opportunities, and migration of rural youth to urban areas, among many others issues, in my constituency.

8. How will you address them?

I will expedite the construction of a Gongphu-Panbang highway to facilitate the construction of feeder and farm roads. This will also help bring in electricity; introduce poverty alleviation programs; introduce cottage industries to enhance rural incomes and jobs; and focus nationally on economic growth with employment creation.

9. In your opinion, why is Panbang so underdeveloped?

Panbang has remained underdeveloped not because of the lack of potential and natural and human resources, but for a lack of pull and push in national fora and decision-making bodies.

10. What will you do if you lose?

I will continue to promote the interests of the people of my constituency.

11. Why did you join politics?

To work towards the realization of the noble vision of Their Majesties the Fourth and Fifth Druk Gyalpos, further the interests of our nation, fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people and, in particular, uplift the living conditions of the people of lower Kheng at par with other parts of the Kingdom.

12. Why did you choose to join PDP?

Because it is a party of the people and committed to walking the talk and serving the people with humility. Further, the party has dynamic, committed and down-to-earth leadership and candidates who first responded to the call of the nation while others were hesitant.

13. Any regrets joining politics?

None at all. I have been deeply touched by the sensitivities and harsh realities of rural people whom I look forward to serving.

14. Do you think there should have been a third party?

Yes. Even if a third party does not make it for this election, there should definitely be one next time.

15. Tell us about your opponent.

He is my second cousin, and my wife's first cousin, so you can imagine my surprise when he decided to stand against me. Still, I wish him well.

16. The last book your read?

Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered, by E. F. Schumacher.

17. How important is media to politicians?

Very.

18. Do you think Bhutanese politics is getting dirty?

I am very concerned by false stories and accusations. I believe they want to create fear in the people to further their own party.