Ura gewog in Bumthang has opted to fall back on their former National Council member, Tshewang Jurme, to represent them one more time.

The gewog, through a zomdu yesterday, voted him in with 173 “yes” and 22 “no”.

For now, the former councillor is up against Rinchen Phuntsho of Chumey, Sonam Tenzin of Choekor, and Nima of Tang for the election at the dzongkhag level on April 23.

Many villagers said he did justice to the position during his last five years tenure with the council.

Having already served for the last five years in the National Council, villagers felt that he’d be better, as he has already experienced it, and might do better if he gets re-elected.

Sangay Tshering, 59, said he has that one thing, which other candidates don’t.

“Experience as a councillor for five years, and that will make a lot of difference,” he said. “I still have faith in him and feel he’ll be able to deliver even more if elected.”

Sithar Lhamo, 25, said he has worked hard until now, and helped people of Bumthang in every capacity.

“I’m sure he’ll do better if he gets re-elected,” she said.

But some villagers said they would closely look at other candidates that emerge from other gewogs before deciding on whom to vote for.

“There could be other candidates, who’d perform better if given a chance, we never know,” one said.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old, who gave up his retirement benefits by resigning to re-contest, said the move was made with genuine motivation to serve tsa-wa-sum.

“While there were enough candidates and choices for people this time, I decided to re-contest because I felt I owed this to people of Bumthang,” he said.

Having been trained in the field, he said it wasn’t fair if he did not participate again.

“They’ll be deprived of a candidate, who has the right experience,” he said.

Tshewang Jurme said the five year term was a learning experience.

“The first set of council and assembly members managed to set up a firm foundation of democracy, and dealt with a number of reviews, policies and legislation,” he said.

As a council member, it also entailed focusing on issues in the country, and not just the dzongkhag he represented.

By Sonam Choden, Bumthang

One Comment to “Ura opts for a repeat performance”

1. Hawk | March 22nd, 2013 at 12:49:12
   

   It is really nice to see that our future going to be leaders (either National Council or Political Parties) reaching to all corners of life during their campaigning.

   With these process of familiarization, the going to be leaders of Bhutan can really understand many ground realities and difficulties being faced by the people living in all corners in life. Thus, with this win-win familiarization campaign, the true Leaders can really bring in a great positive impact to the life of people living in our country thus attaining Gross Happiness both materialistically and spiritually.

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