Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the Himalayas between India and China. It has a population of just over 750,000 people and is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. Bhutan is also notable for its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Bhutan's transition to democracy began in the late 1980s, when the country underwent a series of political and economic reforms. Prior to this time, Bhutan was a largely isolated and feudal monarchy, with the king holding absolute power. However, in the 1980s, the country began to open up to the outside world and adopt more modern policies.
In 2008, Bhutan held its first democratic elections, which were deemed free and fair by international observers. The elections marked a major milestone in Bhutan's democratic development, as they marked the first time that the country's citizens had a direct say in their government.
Since then, Bhutan has held regular elections and has developed a strong system of checks and balances. The country has a bicameral parliament, with the National Council serving as an upper house and the National Assembly serving as the lower house. The prime minister is the head of government, and the king serves as a ceremonial figurehead.
Bhutan's democracy is not without its challenges, however. The country is still relatively poor, and many citizens lack access to basic education and healthcare. There are also concerns about corruption and the influence of special interests on the political process.
Despite these challenges, Bhutan's commitment to democracy is unwavering. The country has a strong constitution that guarantees the rights and freedoms of its citizens, and it is committed to upholding the rule of law. Bhutan's democratic system is still relatively young, but it has already made significant progress and has the potential to continue to mature and strengthen in the coming years.
Evolution of Bhutanese Democracy
Bhutan has made tremendous progress in the field of communications, hydro-electric power development, education, health, financial sector, environmental protection, and industrial and infrastructural development during his reign. That would surely be well received by Their Majesties and by The People. He ruled for 35 years and then his successors ruled the country till 1907. Finally after decades of preparation democracy was now consummated. Public expenses and contracting should be made more transparent and concerned agencies held accountable.
Democracy in Iraq
The people are capable of making the right decisions, hence the people should have a say in the government. There were various anomalies, and 1949 is a long, long time ago. Some critics point out that despite the many successes a unique shortcoming of some of the bright lights of Bhutanese journalism is the inability to understand or adapt to local conventions and hence adopt methods and tones that are normal in foreign climes but too harsh for the delicate sensitivities in a young democracy and small society. Empowered with the wisdom of Jambayang, the compassion of Chenrigzee and the fortitude of Chanadorji, our Kings have forged the Modern Bhutanese Nation State, our country, as we know it today. What the people are asking is land grabbed by officials illegally and improperly that hurt people and left them dry! Individual did not have the right to vote. The Committee system of the National Assembly has had only a middling success to date, in terms of power and authority delegated to the committees by the Assembly.
Democracy in Bhutan
South Asian studies, Volume 13. Evidently democracy has grown to be the most desirable political system by the majority of nations. This was done to send out a firm message that there was no room in Bhutan for communal and sectarian politics. Does not focus on strong central nor local government, but on giving the people a voice in their country. Although, the refugee issue remains unresolved and will likely need to be addressed by the new government at some point. » A zhung zomdu, well prepared and carried out with all the time needed for its good grounding and success, could give colour and strength to an especially Bhutanese form of democracy, reflecting the best of historic culture and local practice. If this hard line faction of the cabinet and party has its way then democracy in Bhutan may have to go for a long walk through the wilderness.
Bhutanese democracy
Three years prior, in 1949, India and Bhutan had signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which provided that India would not interfere in Bhutan's internal affairs but that Bhutan would be guided by India in its foreign policy. Under the new government, the country saw numerous changes and developments but the government was not free from errors. The development of the state media is interesting, in that, it brought about the introduction of professional journalism in a relatively closed society, and it showed the prominent role that media can play in the development and evolution of the Bhutanese society and polity. The private media also gave a strong sense of competition to Kuensel and BBS. The wave of discrimination also affected eastern Bhutan to some extent. They would resist due to the fact they thought they were fighting the same things that caused the American Revolution, no taxation without local representation. The Parliament could also be more pro active on key democratic and pro-people legislations like RTI.
