New King Sees “Unique Opportunity” for Democracy in Bhutan
February 9, 2007
Reuters: Bhutan king sees unique opportunity for democracy

The new king of Bhutan, Jigme Kesar Namgyel, has declared that his country has the “unique opportunity” to build a new political system that “ensures a truly functioning democracy.”  Namgyel became king in December after his father abdicated, saying his country had a chance to “become a true democracy” following centuries of monarchical rule. 

Namgyel’s father was criticized in the 1990s by human rights groups for his treatment of the minority Nepali population.  In the 2007 publication of Freedom in the World by Freedom House, Bhutan was rated “Not Free,” with ratings of “6” in political rights and “5” in civil liberties.  Televisions and internet cafes were banned in the country until 1999-2000. 

The first ever democratic elections in Bhutan are expected to be held before July 2008.  The Bhutanese will be receiving assistance from democratic neighbor India in the follow-up to the elections.  The Reuters report also states that 400,000 of the 700,000 citizens of Bhutan will be eligible to vote in the elections next year. 

Other References:

Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2007