With a dynamic personality and strong determination to bring about changes for the better, 33-year-old Sonam Tenzin is the youngest among the three national council aspirant candidates registered from Trashiyangtse.
From Shalipan village under Khamdang gewog, Trashiyangtse, Sonam Tenzin completed his Bachelors in computer application from University of Madras, India. After graduating from college, he was into contract business for eight years.
Since his childhood, he was always interested to serve the nation and was always curious about how the government system functioned. In 2013, he contested in the parliamentary election as the Druk Chirwang Tshogpa candidate from Khamdang Ramjar constituency.
“Though I am young, I am confident and the experience that I got while contesting in 2013 for NA election will be my plus point. I will continue to learn more about the process of democracy,” he said.
According to Sonam Tenzin, democracy was gifted by the Monarchs so that people can have more choices and a platform to express their opinions. “As a concerned citizen, I prefer to contest for the council particularly because of its duty toward fulfilling people’s aspirations through review of policies and legislation leading to a vibrant democracy,” he said.
Sonam Tenzin feels that public speaking is a huge challenge and can prove a possible drawback but he is optimistic he can overcome his fears.
Another challenge for him is to change the mindset of people who think young candidates are not capable enough to serve as a councilor.
“People particularly in Bhutan discourage young aspirants by pointing out that they are young and they can try later. It is hard to convince the voters in this context,” he said.
However he feels the one should work hard and do his best to prove himself.
“As a young candidate, I would listen to people and be accessible and open to them,” said Sonam Tenzin, adding that his people have always been his inspiration with their support of him in his endeavors.
Among the eight gewogs in Trashiyangste, Sonam Tenzin is the only contestant from his gewog- Khamdang in Tashiyangtse.
According to Sonam Tenzin, NC was established to review and amend existing laws, initiate legislation, review implementation of resolutions and laws passed by the parliament, “so keeping this in mind, I would definitely try to make an impact for Trashiyangtse community if elected.”
“I am confident that I will be able to fulfill my responsibilities in the position with utmost dedication if elected,” he concluded.
Pema Seldon from Thimphu
