Bhutan's historic election ends royal rule

by cynthia yoo | March 24, 2008 at 06:56 pm | 199 views | 2 comments

Bhutan is a bit of a mystery to me. As I'm writing this post, I realize that I know little about this former-kingdom, now constitutional democracy.

Friends have visited Bhutan. I've studied with classmates from Bhutan. Bhutan pops up in the news occasionally for its perspective on development.

But I don't really know Bhutan, so I highlight the following post on Bhutan's recent election, hoping someone more knowledgeable about the country will do a better job of describing, explaining this curious place.

People in Bhutan have voted in elections that will bring an end to more than a century of royal rule.

Monday's vote for the 47-seat National Assembly completes the country's peaceful transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Election officials say the Bhutan Harmony Party, led by Jigmi Thinley, won a landslide victory.

The only two parties in the race had similar manifestos, promising less poverty and better infrastructure.

Election commissioner Kunzang Wangdi said unofficial results showed Harmony, or Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), had won 44 of the 47 seats.

Its leader Jigmi Thinley is a former prime minister, as is Sangay Ngedup, the leader of the other party - the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Ngedup is also the brother of the former king's four wives - all sisters.

An election for the upper house of parliament, the 25-seat National Council, was held in December.

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demetre.steinhauer

at 19:27 on March 24th, 2008

I had the chance to travel in Bhutan during a very historical moment; Bhutanese people are experiencing their first democratic elections under the wise eye and care of a enlightened leader (their current king)

demetre.steinhauer has contributed a photo to this story.

cynthia yoo

at 19:35 on March 24th, 2008

I hear you. Their king does seem like the very model of an enlightened monarch, shepherding his people through some huge reforms. Their transition into democratic government is very remarkable. It would be great if you could post some of your thoughts on the current election process. Thanks~