Bhutan’s Journey to Democracy

Context:

This analysis traces Bhutan’s transition from an isolated absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy, initiated in the 1960s under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and completed in 2008 under King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk. The piece highlights key reforms, India’s role, and socio-economic progress, offering insights into Bhutan’s unique democratization process as of March 23, 2025.

Crisp Information in Points:

1. Reform Beginnings: In the early 1960s, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk launched reforms to modernize Bhutan’s economy and quasi-feudal system, building roads, hospitals, and secular schools as alternatives to monastic education.
2. Social Transformation: Slavery was abolished, Bhutia polyandry and Nepalese polygamy restricted, and royal rule slightly liberalized, marking the shift from feudal traditions.
3. Political Restructuring: The king restructured government institutions, retaining control but sharing power with the Council of Ministers, with its chair evolving into a de facto prime minister.
4. Tshogdu Empowerment: In 1953, the Tshogdu (National Assembly) was established, and later empowered to call for a vote of confidence on the monarch, potentially forcing abdication—a democratic safeguard.
5. Constitutional Push: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (1972–2006) drove the creation of a written constitution, lifting bans on TV and internet in 1999 to end isolation and foster idea exchange.
6. Democratic Transition: In 2006, King Jigme Singye abdicated, paving the way for his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, to oversee Bhutan’s first elections in 2007-2008, establishing a parliamentary democracy by July 2008.
7. Economic Growth: Post-2008, Bhutan saw rapid economic progress, nearly eradicating extreme poverty and boosting school enrollment and youth literacy, fueled by India’s investment.
8. India’s Role: India’s geostrategic interest as a buffer against China supported Bhutan’s development, evident during the 2017 Doklam standoff involving Indian and Chinese troops.
9. Political Instability: Early reforms faced challenges, including the 1964 assassination of the prime minister and a 1965 attempt on the king’s life, reflecting initial resistance.
10. Global Engagement: Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and began limited tourism in the 1970s, ending centuries of isolation while balancing modernization with cultural preservation.

Key Terms:

• Absolute Monarchy: Rule by a king with unchecked power, Bhutan’s system until the 20th century.
• Parliamentary Democracy: Government with elected representatives, adopted by Bhutan in 2008.
• Tshogdu: Bhutan’s National Assembly, established in 1953 to share governance.
• Jigme Dorji Wangchuk: King (1952–72) who initiated modernization and reforms.
• Jigme Singye Wangchuk: King (1972–2006) who abdicated to enable democracy.
• Constitution: Written framework for Bhutan’s governance, enacted in 2008.
• Doklam Standoff: 2017 border dispute highlighting Bhutan’s strategic role between India and China.