DPT's Dr Pema Gyamtsho, 46, is from Pralang village in Tang gewog, Bumthang. He has a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from ETH, Switzerland and a Master's degree in Agriculture from Lincoln University, New Zealand. He was the Deputy Resident Coordinator of Helvetas (Bhutan) before he resigned last year to join politics. He also served as Deputy Secretary of the planning division in agriculture ministry and has worked in several countries as an agriculture and rural development expert.

1. Your favourite proverb?

"Be who you are and say what you feel because people who mind don't matter and people who matter don't mind."

2. Is democracy the best form of government?

Yes, if political parties and leaders understand the principles of democracy and respect the rights of people, and if people are empowered to question their leaders and understand that rights come with responsibilities.

3. "The efforts of the government alone will never be enough. In the end the people must choose and the people must help themselves." Comment.

I agree. Government should provide an enabling environment for people to choose and help themselves and ensure that there is equality, equity and justice.

4. Why should people vote for you?

I respect their judgement and will honour their right to vote for the party and candidate of their choice.

5. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I believe in destiny; 10 years ago I didn't see myself as a politician.

6. Why did you join politics?

Having lived for several years in countries, where democracy works as well as where it doesn't work, I thought that I could share my experiences to contribute towards a working democracy here.

7. Are you into politics for the long haul or is it just a one-time attempt?

As the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh recently said after winning NDTV's 'Indian Leader of the Year Award for 2007,' many of us who are participating in the coming elections are Œaccidental politicians.' I will be prepared to answer this question after a few years learning the political ropes.

8. What are your chances of winning?

We are just starting our campaign and I will be able to give a better assessment after we have covered some ground.

9. Are voters educated enough to make the right choice?

Yes, they are. I am confident that most people in my constituency have the integrity of character and the intelligence to make the right choice.

10. What are your priorities for the Bumthaps?

Bumthang is blessed with abundant cultural and natural resources and could become the economic hub for the country. To realize this potential, we need roads, electricity and tele-communications as early as possible.

11. What do you think of your opponent?

He is a deeply religious and respected educationist and, as cousins, we maintain very close ties in spite of embracing different political ideologies.

12. What is the biggest problem facing Bhutan today?

We are transitting from the safety and protection of a benevolent monarchy towards an uncertain future under constitutional democracy. The biggest challenge for every Bhutanese today is to adjust to this change intelligently and wisely.

13. Should Bhutan join WTO?

As a land-locked mountainous country dominated by rural economy, we need to weigh the benefits of becoming a member of WTO. Our comparative advantages are in the hydropower and tourism sectors and how WTO membership would affect them, as well as the farming population, should determine our decision. This could be a good topic for debate at the first National Assembly session.

14. What was the last book you read?

"The Lexus and the Olive Tree" by Thomas Friedman.

15. What is the role of media in democracy?

Media has a very important and difficult role: important because media can shape public opinion; difficult because it is not easy to please everyone and will always come under criticism from one side or another.

16. Do you think it is possible for the election commission to check campaign funding?

Yes, for the sources of income and expenses legally permissible.

PDP's Namgay Dukpa, 54, was the principal of Chumey middle secondary school in Bumthang before he resigned last year to join politics. He worked in the education sector for about 37 years, where he served most of his years as district education officer. He has a Master's degree in Education from Australia.

1. Your favourite proverb?

Sersang Jalay Yonten Nachi Ga.

2. Is democracy the best form of government?

It will largely depend on how it's put into practice. Besides the importance of choosing the right candidate, it's also important for people to fulfill all the responsi- bilities that come with their rights and freedoms.

3. "The efforts of the government alone will never be enough. In the end the people must choose and the people must help them selves." Comment.

For a nation to be strong and to progress, it requires the collective efforts put in by all citizens. People's participation is vital for the growth and development of the nation. This is the very reason our dynamic and enlightened monarchs left no stone unturned to involve people in the nation building process, and this will undoubtedly be realized with the ushering in of parliamentary democracy.

4. Why should people vote for you?

In my 37 years of government service in education, I had served to the best of my abilities. I also had the privilege of serving in Bumthang, for 14 years as a teacher, headmaster, DEO and Principal.

5. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I would have retired from active politics but I will continue to contribute in my humble way to serve the tsa-wa-sum.

6. Why did you join politics?

I joined politics to fulfill the noble aspirations of our beloved monarchs in establishing a successful and vibrant democracy.

7. Are you into politics for the long haul or is it just a one-time attempt?

I've just started the journey in politics and will continue until I'm in a state when I can no longer serve my nation.

8. What are your chances of winning?

I stand quite a good chance.

9. Are voters educated enough to make the right choice?

People in general know how to exercise their right to vote, but more education would definitely help them to make the right and informed choice.

10. What are your priorities for the Bumthaps?

Increasing access through adequate and better farm and feeder roads, provision of basic amenities, such as electricity, communication facilities and adequate water supply, enhancing rural income through farm products and marketting facilities, boosting tourism, and development of the new township.

11. What do you think of your opponent?

I know him well ­ he is my cousin. I have all the respect for him.

12. What is the biggest problem facing Bhutan today?

Poverty and unemployment, and the biggest challenge at the moment is to institute a vibrant democracy.

13. Should Bhutan join the WTO?

Are we not already in an advanced stage of accession to WTO? Asking the question at this stage suggests that many are not convinced about the move to join WTO. I believe that we should join WTO but go into it with our eyes wide open. Our economy should be ready to face the negative consequences as well as prepared to exploit the advantages.

14. What was the last book you read?

"You can Win" by Shiv Khera.

15. What is the role of media in democracy?

Providing accurate information is the primary role of the media in a democracy.

16. Do you think it is possible for the election commission to check campaign spending?

Given the size of the constituencies, I do not see the Commission having a problem checking campaign spending.