DPT's Tshewang Rinzin

1. Your Lho (birth sign)?

Drul (Snake)

2. Happiness is ...

... a state of mind. But the outer environment has greater influence if you have not cultivated your mind.

3. What according to you is democracy?

Democracy is rule by the people for their own well being.

4. Three lessons you have learnt since you resigned to join politics?

i. Theoretically you will be inspired to take up this career but when it comes to practicality there are so many hurdles.
ii. I have learned how important it is to deal with people from different backgrounds.
iii. I have learned the importance of language power to convince people.

5. What are your chances of winning?

It is too early for me to comment, but I have good contact with the people in my constituency.

6. What according to you is the most pressing issue in Bhutan today?

The successful transition to democracy. Others such as unemployment and quality education will be resolved once it becomes successful.

7. How would you address them?

Clean politics and educating people of their role to elect right leaders.

8. How much do the people in your constituency know about voting and elections?

They have a fairly good idea about voting and election. But majority of people don't judge for themselves as to which party will serve them best. They are carried away by mere promises of politicians.

9. What happens if you win and your party loses?

I have no doubt that my party will win. In case I win and my party loses, I may not have as much say as my party in power, but surely I will be there to voice my peoples' need.

10. How will the new government differ from the past government?

Surely there will be changes. Public services would be delivered with speed and efficiency. There will be improvement in every sphere of our peoples' life. This is possible if every thing goes as planned.

11. What do you think of your opponent?

I have very little idea about him. I always think he is a nice person with high moral standards and ethics.

12. "In politics a man must learn to rise above principles" ... Comment.

Unless you have very high principles and governed by high moral standard, there is every chances of being involved in corruption.

13. Why did you join Druk Phuensum Tshogpa?

Because I have the feeling that this party has the potential to lead this great nation forward and my role model also has joined this party. Moreover, this party is also committed towards clean politics.

14. The last book you read?

Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyel Rinpoche.

15. Is Bhutanese politics getting dirty?

It can only be judged from the number of complaints lodged with ECB. Moreover, there are also few red-hand caught cases.

16. Is the Bhutanese media biased in its coverage of the political process?

I don't think, but surely it lacks full coverage of dirty things that are taking place. I feel it's the responsibility of media to expose those unethical things and help make politics clean in our country.

17. Should voting be made compulsory?

No, it should not be. It is a moral responsibility of every citizen to make democracy a success.

PDP's Tshering Tobgay

1. Your Lho (birth sign)?

Druel (serpent)

2. Happiness is...

Happiness comes from having a sense of security, a sense of identity and a sense of purpose. To many people in my constituency it is as basic as having enough food and a little money.

3. What according to you is democracy?

... gift from the Golden Throne to the people of Bhutan. It is a system of governance that seeks the people's mandate to serve them, involves them in decision making, and is accountable to them.

4. Three lessons you have learnt since you resigned to join politics?

i. I have learned to listen to people - they have a comprehensive grasp of issues that concern their village
ii. I have learned to see the government through the eyes of the people - the government must do a better job in delivering services to our people.
iii. I have learned that a vibrant and stable democracy is essential to ensure the continued sovereignty, security and prosperity of our kingdom.

5. What are your chances of winning?

My chances of winning are quite good. However, my ultimate objective is not to win - it is to serve the people in my constituency.

6. What according to you is the most pressing issue in Bhutan today?

Our small and weak economy - resulting in poverty and looming unemployment.

7. How would you address them?

I will encourage economic development and unleash the potential of the private sector. I will promote economic activity in all our villages to combat poverty and underemployment.

8. How much do the people in your constituency know about voting and elections?

I am encouraged that the people in my constituency are fairly knowledgeable about voting and elections. They understand the significance of the upcoming elections and the importance of their votes.

9. What happens if you win and your party loses?

I will be an active and constructive member of a healthy opposition to the government. I will also work with the people of my constituency to help achieve our collective hopes and aspirations.

10. How will the new government differ from the past government?

The new government will be accountable to the people. A PDP government will serve the people with humility and will walk the talk. Our government will also work in harmony and in close partnership with all the stakeholders.

11. What do you think of your opponent?

I haven't met Tshewang Rinzin and therefore I have nothing to base my opinions on him. I am however confident that DPT has selected a candidate who has the capability and passion to serve our nation.

12. "In politics a man must learn to rise above principles" ...Comment.

I will not betray my principles. So if your quotation in an absolute truth then I am afraid that I will not make a good politician.

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

I joined the PDP because I am convinced that Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, the founder of our party, has the vision, ability and commitment to institutionalize democracy in our country. He also has a proven track record of serving the people. Furthermore, the PDP has an outstanding team of highly-qualified, experienced and motivated professionals as candidates for the 2008 elections.

14. The last book you read?

C.K Prahalad's The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid - Eradicating poverty through profits.

15. Is Bhutanese politics getting dirty?

The new political system is still evolving and all of us will face teething problems. However, I am confident that all Bhutanese, politicians in particular, will overcome these problems and conduct themselves with dignity and honour as we prepare to enjoy the benefits of democracy.

16. Is the Bhutanese media biased in its coverage of the political process?

We can expect our media to experience initial difficulties as they begin political coverage which is essentially new territory for them. I am also aware that individual biases will exist and expect the editors to filter these biases as best as they can.

17. Should voting be made compulsory?

A successful democracy is dependent on a large turnout, but making voting compulsory is itself undemocratic.