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Bhutan was the last nation on Earth to introduce Television in 1999 and the only one which explicitly puts happiness at the heart of Government policy - all policies must take account of any impact on Gross National Happiness.
On Monday March 24th it will hold its first ever general election.
For the tiny kingdom, this will be the final step in a transition from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. There is great respect for the Monarchy, and its policies and this has left some reluctant to embrace 'democracy'. Particularly regarding the fate of policies providing free and health care which were introduced by the Monarchy. There have been some concerns over the entire process, leading to tension and even threats of violence.
A pro-democracy demonstration in 1999 expressing dissatisfaction at earlier political reforms was followed by moves to further curb the power of the King. The move toward a constitutional monarchy was confirmed in 2002, and a draft constitution emerged in 2004. This was published in 2005 and a copy was sent to over 500,000 for scrutiny. The process was given a final impetus by the abdication of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, passing the crown to his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk in December 2006.
A couple of dry runs were held last year to make sure things would go well. Only graduates are eligible to stand, the oldest candidate is 46 and the youngest in their early 20s.
There are fears that Nepalese Maoist 'rebels' who are not eligible to vote, may try to cause disruption. There have been explosions throughout the country including on in the capital Thimpu in recent months although no one is reported killed. It has been reported that at least seventeen have been arrested and five killed by police in the run up to the elections.
On Monday March 24th it will hold its first ever general election.
For the tiny kingdom, this will be the final step in a transition from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. There is great respect for the Monarchy, and its policies and this has left some reluctant to embrace 'democracy'. Particularly regarding the fate of policies providing free and health care which were introduced by the Monarchy. There have been some concerns over the entire process, leading to tension and even threats of violence.
A pro-democracy demonstration in 1999 expressing dissatisfaction at earlier political reforms was followed by moves to further curb the power of the King. The move toward a constitutional monarchy was confirmed in 2002, and a draft constitution emerged in 2004. This was published in 2005 and a copy was sent to over 500,000 for scrutiny. The process was given a final impetus by the abdication of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, passing the crown to his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk in December 2006.
A couple of dry runs were held last year to make sure things would go well. Only graduates are eligible to stand, the oldest candidate is 46 and the youngest in their early 20s.
There are fears that Nepalese Maoist 'rebels' who are not eligible to vote, may try to cause disruption. There have been explosions throughout the country including on in the capital Thimpu in recent months although no one is reported killed. It has been reported that at least seventeen have been arrested and five killed by police in the run up to the elections.
