The upcoming bye-election in Nubi-Tangsibji is taking on a markedly different tone from the usual contest between ruling and opposition parties. Instead of partisan rivalry, the focus has shifted toward selecting a candidate who possesses the competence, integrity, and maturity to implement national development plans already in place.
The Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) has nominated former National Council member of the parliament from Trongsa, Tashi Samdrup, stressing that the by-poll is not merely about filling a vacant seat, but about choosing a leader who understands the responsibilities of public office.
“This is not just about replacing a Member of Parliament,” a BTP spokesperson said. “It is about selecting someone who can serve with accountability and ensure that the plans already endorsed for the constituency are implemented effectively.”
With the national budget and the 13th Five Year Plan already approved, the party argues that the real task ahead is not to make new promises, but to ensure timely delivery of existing commitments. “Regardless of who is elected, Nubi-Tangsibji will receive the development support outlined in the plan,” the spokesperson added.
Should he be elected, Tashi Samdrup has pledged to focus on maintaining farm roads across all chiwogs in Nubi and Tangsibji gewogs, blacktopping roads from Sherabling to Karshong and the Gewog Centre, and installing wire-mesh fencing to protect crops and livestock.
He also plans to support livestock development throughout the constituency and pursue the construction of a bridge between Kela and Tangsibji, subject to its inclusion in the 13th FYP. Another bridge project has been proposed at Rabdozam under Simphu chiwog.
Beyond the national plan, the candidate has said he would encourage income-generating initiatives such as the plantation of Sichuan pepper across four chiwogs to strengthen rural livelihoods. This, the candidate said, will be a project that he will do on his own, even if the government does not support the scheme.
The BTP highlights that their candidate previously served as a member of Parliament and earned a reputation for his humble and purposeful approach to public service.
The party is urging voters to view the upcoming poll not as a political showdown, but as a choice of leadership quality. “This is an opportunity to elect someone who will work with maturity and dedication rather than resorting to emotional appeals or populist rhetoric,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Nubi–Tangsibji Constituency, announcing a comprehensive set of pledges through its bye-election candidate, Phuntsho Dendup. Campaigning under the party’s slogan “For a Better Druk Yul,” Dendup has outlined plans aimed at fostering long-term progress across multiple sectors.
A central focus of the PDP manifesto is infrastructure, with Dendup pledging to improve road connectivity by resurfacing gewog centre roads, delegating regular maintenance to the Department of Surface Transport, and constructing new farm roads and village footpaths where needed.
To boost rural livelihoods, Dendup plans to improve market access for farmers, establish a food processing plant, open farm shops, aggregate farm produce, and install chain-link fences to reduce human–wildlife conflict.
The candidate has also committed to providing reliable drinking water to all chiwogs. In addition, he has pledged to electrify paddy fields in selected villages and construct irrigation channels to improve crop productivity and support sustainable agriculture.
In the health sector, Dendup pledges monthly visits by medical teams to all gewog health centres, door-to-door services via mobile medical vans, a Nu.10,000 monthly family support scheme for third-child families, and an increase in Rural Life Insurance from Nu.30,000 to Nu.150,000.
For promoting equitable access to quality education, he has said that there will be a review of existing schools, with proposals to upgrade and establish central schools in large chiwogs. Some schools may also be designated as chiwog schools following community assessments.
He has also talked about subsidised loans for first-time homebuyers and the leasing of government land at Keila to landless individuals, aiming to improve access to land and housing across the constituency.
The PDP candidate has also pledged support for local religious projects, including Chendejee Lhakhang, and proposes providing each gewog with a fully funded pool vehicle to improve service delivery. Through this agenda, Phuntsho Dendup seeks voter support for inclusive and sustainable development in Nubi–Tangsibji.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the Nubi-Tangsibji bye-election is increasingly being framed as a choice for responsible leadership and sustained community development. Rather than being defined by traditional party rivalries or ideological divides, this election emphasizes the selection of a candidate with the experience, integrity, and vision to deliver on ongoing development plans and address local needs effectively. Observers note that the stakes extend beyond filling a parliamentary seat; residents are being called upon to consider the long-term welfare of their community, including improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. This focus on practical outcomes and accountable governance positions the bye-election as a referendum on competence, foresight, and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth, rather than short-term political gains.
Sangay Rabten from Thimphu
