The Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan concluded its first ever multi-party parliamentary elections on March 24th, a definitive step forward toward democratic rule in this nation of 900,000 wedged between China and India. Observers were encouraged by the turnout of nearly 80% of eligible voters, who were asked to head to the polls by King Jigme Singye Wangchuk following his abdication of absolute rule in 2006.
As The Economist notes, the high levels of participation mark a triumph for civic educators in Bhutan, particularly as many citizens were fearful of the consequences of the transition to democracy due to the existence of less-than-inspiring regional examples in countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, and even parts of India. Indeed, trainers under the aegis of the UNDP worked tirelessly to promote democratic processes, conducting mock elections to familiarize the population with voting procedures. Their efforts yielded tangible results, as nearly 60,000 additional voters registered in the new year in this mountainous nation, where individuals often must travel great distances to reach polling places. For greater perspective on other factors that made the Bhutanese transition so unique and fascinating, please see the 2007 Countries at the Crossroads report.
While the recent elections are undoubtedly a step towards democracy, as the New York Times observes, the monarchy is still fully in place in Thimphu. Of the 47 seats up for grabs in the lower house of parliament, 44 were won by the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party, with only three going to the rival People’s Democratic Party; both parties profess loyalty to the monarchy. Political parties were not permitted in Bhutan until March 2007, and thus remain largely undifferentiated, with weak platforms and ideologies. The notion of political competition is alien to most in a largely closed society where the state prefers to base its planning on a measurement known as Gross National Happiness rather than more traditional economic measures. The monarchic state has provided stable economic growth of 7% per annum over the past 25 years on the strength of hydroelectric energy sales to neighboring India, leading many – including party leaders – to question the logic of abandoning palace rule. According to both analysts and citizens, the extent to which democracy will function in Bhutan remains to be seen as the nation enters uncharted territory.
In spite of the progress demonstrated by recent elections in Bhutan, the ballot was not without its shortcomings. The vote was not extended to the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepalese citizens of Bhutan who were forced from the kingdom in the 1990s following protests against their marginalization; most still languish in UN-run refugee camps in eastern Nepal. According to Voice of America, many among the sizeable Nepalese minority still residing in Bhutan claim they were denied the ability to vote. The issue of Nepalese rights in Bhutan will surely remain a hot button issue for the indefinite future, though increased stability in Nepal could ease the pressure. In addition, only four of the 47 seats in parliament were captured by female candidates. Guaranteeing minority rights and promoting gender equality will prove critical to continued progress during Bhutan’s gradual, somewhat reluctant transition to democracy.
Photo Credit: Flickr user babasteve
