The first NC aspirant to declare his candidature was from Trashigang
After Trashigang, the second National Council (NC) aspirant to declare his candidature for the upcoming elections is from Paro.
Ugyen Tshering, 48, from Gangju in Lamgong gewog, Paro will be contesting the council elections for the third consecutive time since the first parliamentary elections in 2008.
Though his parents are farmers, Ugyen Tshering became a business entrepreneur after he completed his Bachelors in Commerce from Sherubtse College, working in various capacities in the private sector for 17 years.
Explaining why he did not choose politics, Ugyen Tshering said that usually all the members of a particular party will have the same objectives and principles and in time, there might be a possibility where the purpose of democracy and the importance of the general public and their voice and views are compromised.
“But in the NC, the principal objective is to serve the Tsawa Sum with the NC institution’s mandate becoming secondary; in politics there are chances that it can be vice versa.”
He also said that as NC members can support the government of the day if it is on the right track and can give reminders when it goes wrong.
“Therefore to serve the nation, safeguard our sovereignty, and uphold the Constitution, the NC is the right institution for me,” said Ugyen Tshering.
He said that since this is not the first time he is trying, he has the advantage of experience and knowing his Dzongkhag well.
“I have traveled to all parts of Paro and know almost all the people,” he said adding that he understands ground realities and issues that people in his Dzongkhag face.
Ugyen Tshering is also confident that as he contested in all the council elections so far and has been in constant interaction with the people of Paro, they would support him this time round.
“If I am elected, I will try my best to bridge the cohesive relationship among all concerned institutions with a focus to serve the Tsawa Sum,” he said.
He also wants to address issues and concerns related to nation building by interacting with concerned institutions like the Local Government, Dzongkhag administration, judiciary and other relevant authorities. Additionally, he wants to represent Paro Dzongkhag powerfully in the parliament.
Ugyen Tshering also contested as a Druk Chirwang Tshogpa candidate in 2013. The third round of council elections is scheduled from February next year.
Dechen Dolkar from Thimphu
