Bhutanese democracy
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Bhutan is transforming its form of government from an absolute monarchy to a multi-party democracy.
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[edit] Mock election
On April 21, 2007, this peaceful kingdom began practicing democracy -- literally. They held a mock election to begin to acclimate the populace to the democratic process. There were four parties on the ballot: Druk Blue, Druk Green, Druk Red and Druk Yellow. (Druk is the Dzongkha word for the thunder dragon, the country's national symbol.) Although the parties were fictional, there were thematic party platform descriptions for each one. Actual parliamentary elections will be held in 2008. [1]
| Party | Platform | Percent of vote | Runoff election |
|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Blue | to fight corruption and extend free health care and education | ? | n/a |
| Druk Green | environment-friendly development | ? | n/a |
| Druk Red | to promote industrialization | 20 | ? |
| Druk Yellow | preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage and tradition | 44 | ? |
The extraordinary aspect of this move to democracy is that it was started by the dynasty itself, directed by the (then) king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ruled for over 30 years (until December 2006).
Early groundwork for the process began in 1953, when then king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established the country's legislature – a 130-member National Assembly – to promote a more democratic form of governance. Planning for the most stunning aspect of the process -- abdication of the king's power -- started during the mid 1990's when current king Jigme decided it was the best course for the people of Bhutan. Last December, Jigme, announced that he was abdicating in favor of his 26-year-old son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who will remain head of state, but no longer have absolute power.[2]
[edit] The exiles
In 1989, the king ordered that the official language be Dzongkha, and banned the use of Nepali, the language spoken by the ethnic Nepalese in southern Bhutan. This, along with other limits on the Nepali people, resulted in an estimated 100,000 ethnic Nepalese who fled to refugee camps across the border in Nepal. This event was the beginning of the exiled pro-democracy movement.[1]
The king's call for elections and abdication of power does an end-run around the exiled movement, preempting any existing calls for freedom from outside (or inside) the country. The irony is that the exiled movement will most likely not have any direct participation in the birth of the new democracy which it had been calling for. Although, the refugee issue will likely need to be addressed by the new government at some point.[1]
[edit] Cultural influences
Bhutan is an orderly place. Everyone follows the traffic rules and even the country's dress code is strictly adhered to. Observers expect an orderly and peaceful transition to democracy, however, the people are generally uneasy about the future and the coming changes. One source of the discomfort is induced by the question of why change when the country is doing generally well. The King's position is that this is precisely why it is the perfect time for such changes.
Another source of apprehension stems from the country's history of isolation. Television was not introduced until 1999 and the people are unaccustomed to voicing their opinions -- or listening to others voice theirs. This is one of the reasons why the government is going to such lengths (e.g., mock elections) to train the people and insure an orderly transition.
[edit] Timeline
[edit] Butanese Refugees
There are above 100,000 refugees residing in borders of Nepal. They've attempted to return back to Bhutan several times but Indian government doesn't let them pass through. However, above 50,000 refugees have been transferred to United States.
These refugees are the prople banished from Bhutan for speaking Nepali Language and following Nepali culture. However, they purely belong to Bhutan.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Sengupta, Somini. Bhutan reluctantly embraces democracy (English). International Herald Tribune. Retrieved on September 27, 2007.
- ^ Crossette, Barbara. Wary of democracy in Bhutan (English). Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved on September 27, 2007.
