A Bhutanese guard frisks voters at a polling station in Phuentisiling constituency, some 45 Kms from the Indo-Bhutan border, 31 December 2007. The isolated Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections aimed at transforming the country from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy. "Polling has begun in 15 districts with the response quite enthusiastic. This is a historic moment for all of us," Bhutan's chief election commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, said by telephone from the capital Thimphu. AFP PHOTO/Diptendu DUTTA (Photo credit should read DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images)
ABSTRACT
Bhutan is now a democracy. This new democracy promotes adult franchise. It conducts periodic elections and has elected members in parliament and government. It has political parties contesting elections. Despite these basics of democracy, the country lacks accountability mechanisms, participatory channels, independent and active civil societies, education about democracy, and a monitoring system that are central to a functional democracy. Citizen-government continues to remain concerning factors in institutionalising democracy in Bhutan. Drawing from regional experiences, Bhutan poised to have a bumpy ride on democracy. The issue of human rights and social justice would be a far cry. This paper discusses the parameters of democracy and public participation in Bhutan and the future of Bhutanese democracy.
Keywords: Democracy, election, participation, people, political parties, adult franchise, human rights
