Bhutan has elected mostly people in their 20s and 30s to its new upper house as the tiny Himalayan state switches to democracy after a century of absolute monarchy, election officials said Wednesday.
Eleven of the 15 members elected in the country’s first national polls Monday are under 40, while even the oldest is a relatively spry 46, the Election Commission said. Two of the winners are fresh out of college.
This youthfulness is partly the result of a rule that all candidates be university graduates – a young demographic in Bhutan…
This Buddhist country has been preparing for democracy since the former monarch, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, decided to hand power to an elected government, even as many of his citizens said they were quite happy with the way things were.
The monarchy, now headed by Wangchuck’s son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, a 27-year-old Oxford University graduate, remains popular in Bhutan, partly because of its policies focused on boosting what it calls “gross national happiness.”
Since some Western democracies sound like they’re on the way back to monarchy – it’s refreshing to see what’s happening in Bhutan.
Wonder if King George sent greetings?
A ‘gross national happiness’ policy? Can we elect the King of Bhutan, we could use some more of that kind of leadership around here!
I like the country’s aim, “Gross National Happiness”. Maybe they should export some to the Republican fear mongers in this country.
So, when are we gonna invade them and re-establish a dictator?
Caption: I thought they were handing out “Green” cards.
Peace Prize I think.
Having recently visited Bhutan, and having been hugely impressed with the peoples’ humble dignity and spiritual mastery, I am happy for the new democracy. Their king is a good man and leader and he will remain as a good advisor to the new administration. I only wish the rest of the world could behave so well.
#6….Pedro….I knew Khesar at Magdalen College, our rooms were on the same stair at Swithens. He’s a smart, articulate guy, and he majored in Political Science and International Politics and took courses in govermental institutions. Bhutan is a lucky country to have had the family that rules it rather than some power mad group.(Neo-cons anyone?)
I learned to eat some very spicy Bhutanese dishes(mostly cheese and chili’s and even the veggies are spicy) and I taught him to eat Mexican food.
I will be in Bhutan for the offical coronation this year.