The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is established as an independent entity with executive, legislative and judiciary independence. The city is unlikely to have political independence though. The ‘one country, two systems’ which is rarely practiced around the world except for the case of Hong Kong and Macau when they were returned to China from colonial powers. While these two territories were returning to their homeland from foreign rule, the GMC proposition is the other way round – Bhutan wants to separate Gelephu from its conservative rule and give some autonomy. In Hong Kong and Macau, the civil society had practiced the democratic exercise and enjoyed civil liberties which were essential to maintain the social fabric upon their return to China. In Gelephu, residents have not lived to adopt liberal thoughts or nurture the culture of democracy. This basic difference will determine the success of a ‘one country, two system’ test in Bhutan.
Bhutan Watch
Critical Appreciation – Constructive Criticism