Bhutan Harmony party elected in landmark democratic vote
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2008 14:10
Bhutan Harmony party wins landslide victory in tiny Himalayan country's first-ever democratic election
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Voters in Bhutan have taken their first steps towards choosing the Himalayan country's first-ever democratically-elected government.
Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) – the Bhutan Harmony party – has won a landslide victory in the polls, claiming 44 out of 47 seats.
Its leader Jigmi Thinley is expected to be named the country's first prime minister when the election victory is certified next month.
The People's Democratic party, led by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck's uncle, won just three seats.
Observers, who have hailed the free and fair elections, claim DPT's championing of Gross National Happiness proposed by its former king delivered their empathic win.
The landmark election has also been praised by the US state department.
In a statement the department's spokesman Sean McCormack said: "We congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan on the successful elections for the lower house of parliament on March 24th.
"This event, which builds upon the historic and peaceful elections for the upper house of parliament in December 2007, marks another positive step in Bhutan's transition to a democratic, constitutional monarchy."
The small Buddhist kingdom held elections for its upper house of parliament at the end of last year and has been preparing for democracy ever since the former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck called for power to be handed to an elected government.
His son will retain some control and remain the head of state.
Bhutan, which is nestled between China and India and has a population of 675,000, is unique on the international stage in valuing happiness over wealth.