Critical Appreciation – Constructive Criticism

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Civics

Democracy, Adult Franchise and Public Participation

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by I P Adhikari

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  Read Complete Article

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)

Human Rights, Politics

Democracy and Political Prisoners in Bhutan

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by Ram Karki

ABSTRACT  The uprising of 1990 in Bhutan was a wake-up call for the Bhutanese monarchy to reform. The King announced in 2005 that the country will have a ‘democratic’ government. He handed over his authority to his son to govern. The King and the country received a massive appreciation for initiating democracy. By nature, democracy should primarily benefit those who demanded it. Instead, Bhutan is the only democracy in the world where pro-democracy activists are still serving jail sentences. The international community remains a mute spectator to the sugar-coated Bhutanese democracy. Bhutan fooled them by taking advantage of their interest in geopolitics.   This paper shall look at the story of dissidents behind bars, their families and response from the international community – including governments, human rights groups and the United Nations. Additionally, the major highlights of this paper will be to examine the implementation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of Bhutan and to see if such fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution are real or a toothless instrument.   Keywords: political prisoners, democracy, human rights, politics, justice,   Read Complete Article

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