Kingdom of Bhutan
Interpretation of country names
"Bhutan" means "the border of Tibet" in Sanskrit.
Nicknames: Dragon Country (Bhutanese call themselves "Zhuyu", which means "Dragon"), Forest Country and Flower Country.
zone
46,000 square kilometers.
Human population
700,000 (2007). The population growth rate is about 2.5%. Bhutanese account for 50% of the total population, while Nepalese account for 35%. The Bhutanese "Zongka" is the official language. Tibetan Buddhism (Kagyu Sect) is the state religion, and Nepalese residents believe in Hinduism.
capital
Thimphu, population about 50,000 (2002)
Time difference with Beijing -2:30
International telephone code 975
Languages: Bhutanese "Zonka" and English are official languages, and Nepalese is spoken in the south.
Most people are from Bhutan, and the rest are from Nepal (30% ~ 35%).
Religion Tibetan Buddhism (Kagyu Sect) is the state religion, and Nepalese residents believe in Hinduism.
national flag
It is rectangular, and its length-width ratio is 3: 2. It consists of two right-angled triangles, golden yellow and orange red, with a white dragon in the middle and a white and bright ball in each of its four claws. Gold symbolizes the power and role of the king; Orange is the color of monks' robes, which symbolizes the spiritual strength of Buddhism. Dragon symbolizes national strength and refers to the name of this country, because Bhutan can be translated as "the country of dragons". White beads are held on the dragon's claws, symbolizing strength and sacredness.
national emblem
It is round. On the circular surface, two dragons fly, symbolizing power and dignity. The dragon is surrounded by burning flames, and the center of the circle is a cross pattern, which is a symbol of lightning in nature. On the top of the white circle on the outer circle of the round face, "Glorious Bhutan is invincible" is written in Tibetan.
national anthem
Royal ode
abstract
Located on the southern slope of the East Himalayas, it is bordered by China in the east, north and west, and Indian in the south. It is a landlocked country. The northern mountainous area has a cold climate, the middle valley is mild, and the southern hilly plain has a humid subtropical climate.
It was once the territory of the Tubo dynasty since the 7th century, and became an independent tribe in the 9th century. /kloc-After the 0/2nd century, the Zhuba Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism gradually became the sect in charge of secular power. /kloc-was invaded by Britain in the 0/8th century. The Kingdom of Bhutan was founded in 1907. Britain and Bhutan signed the Punaka Treaty. India signed a treaty of permanent peace and friendship with Bhutan in August 1949 after its independence. Since 196 1, the King of Bhutan has repeatedly stated publicly that he wants to safeguard the sovereignty and independence of the country. Bhutan joined the United Nations in 197 1, became a member of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1973 and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in 1985.
Political investigation
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head of the state
Head of State: King jigme singye wangchuck,1ascended the throne on July 24th, 972; On June 65438+February 65438+April 2006, King jigme singye wangchuck of Bhutan transferred the king to Crown Prince Jigme Hersal Namgal wangchuck.
Important festival
National Day (1February 7 17-the first king wangchuck ascended the throne), the king's birthday (165438+1October 1 1), and the king's coronation day (June 2).
Political survey
Since the 7th century AD, it has been the territory of the Tubo dynasty and gradually became an independent tribe. The Zhuba Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism is in charge of secular power. /kloc-was invaded by Britain in the 0/8th century. The Kingdom of Bhutan was founded in 1907. Constitutional reform is being implemented, from hereditary monarchy to constitutional monarchy. In 2008, the first parliamentary elections will be held and a new government will be formed.
administrative division
The whole country is divided into four administrative regions and 20 counties. In 2003, Bhutan was divided into four regions (as follows), 20 tribes, 202 communities and more than 5,000 natural villages.
Date of establishment of regional capital jurisdiction
The first district, Chuk Sa Ke Rui Ke1988.12.10 Chookiat Sakveerakul, Palo, Hazong and Sanchi.
Punaka 1988. 12, 10 Jiasha, Thimphu, Punaka, Wangdiyan Pozhang and Dagana in the second district.
In the third district, Gilip 1986.6. 15 Benedictine Sect, Tongsazong Sect, Rengong Sect, Shabenzong Sect and air billow Sect.
Fourth area Zhaxigang 1989.9. 17 Zhaxigang School, Zhaxiyangzi School, Bengali School, Zi Long School, Xiangdi School and Pema Gazel School.
anyone/anybody
King:
Jigme Hersal Namgal wangchuck, born in February 1980 and succeeded to the throne in February 2006, is the fifth king of Wangchuk Dynasty.
The fourth king: jigme singye wangchuck, born in June of19551/kloc-0, succeeded to the throne in June of 1972, and was crowned in June of 1974. In February of 2006, he announced his abdication to his son Kaiser wangchuck.
Successive kings (1907 ~ present):
1. Yanwu? Wangchuck 1907- 1926.
2. Jigme? Wangchuck (jigme wangchuck) 1926- 1952
3. Jigme? Dorgigi? Wangchuck (Jigme Dorje wangchuck)
4. Jigme? Singh? Wangchuck (jigme singye wangchuck)
Regime transformation
On March 24th, 2008, Bhutan, located between China and India, ushered in the first democratic election in history, directly elected members of the National Assembly, and on this basis, produced the first democratically elected government. For this small country with an area of only 38,000 square kilometers and a population of 730,000, this election means that the national political system will change from the original hereditary monarchy to parliamentary democracy. The promoter of this change is Jigme, the old king of Bhutan? Singh? Wangchuck himself.
This election is the result of years of efforts by King Bhutan to promote political democratization. /kloc-For 0/00 years, Bhutan has been a hereditary monarchy with no constitution and no political parties. 1In June 1998, King Singh carried out a major reform of the political system, dissolved the cabinet and handed over the executive power of the government to the Council of Ministers. In September of 200 1 year, the king issued an order asking the government to prepare to draft the constitution. In March 2005, King Singh proposed the establishment of a two-party system in Bhutan, in which the party with the most votes in the general election formed a cabinet and the other party became the opposition party. According to the draft constitution, Bhutan will form a bicameral parliament, a 75-member National Assembly and a 25-member National Committee. At the end of 2006, King Jigme abdicated, and in April 2007, he officially ceded the throne to his 27-year-old son Jigme? Caesar? Crown Prince wangchuck.
Singh once said that the purpose of returning government to the people is to bring Bhutan into line with the west in political system in order to win the recognition of the international community. He said: "For the long-term happiness of Bhutanese, we must promote democracy. An effective system is more important than the throne. "
physical geography
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Located on the southern slope of the Himalayas. China is adjacent to the north, northeast and northwest; The south borders India. The territory is mountainous, high in the north and low in the south; The southern mountainous area has a subtropical climate, which is humid and rainy, with an annual precipitation of 5000 ~ 6000 mm; The central valley has a mild climate with an annual precipitation of 760-2000mm. The northern mountainous area is cold and sparsely populated, with an altitude of 2650 ~ 5480 meters. Rivers from north to south mainly include A Mu Quhe, Wangqu River and Moqu River.
Historical investigation
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In the 7th century, it was ruled by Gamorob dynasty in northern India. After 650 years, it became a part of the Tubo kingdom. Lamaism was introduced from Tibet in the 8th century. In the 9th century, Tubo declined and Bhutan became an independent tribe. After 16 16, Awang Nangale, the leader of all the Pagan Kagyu sects in Buddhism, defeated other sects, unified Bhutan, and formed a feudal kingdom in which monks and customs were in power. /kloc-British invasion in the late 8th century, 1865 forced Bhutan to sign the Sinchula Treaty. Bhutan was forced to cede 2,000 square kilometers of land. 1907, Wujian wangchuck abolished King Debu, proclaimed himself king, integrated political and religious powers, and stipulated that the king was hereditary. 19 10, Britain and Bhutan signed the Punaka Treaty, which stipulated that Bhutan's foreign relations should be "guided" by Britain. After India's independence, it signed the Treaty of Permanent Peace and Friendship with Bhutan in 1949, stipulating that Bhutan's foreign relations should be "guided" by India. 1952, the third generation king Jigme Dorg wangchuck ascended the throne. He developed economy and reformed domestic and foreign affairs. Jigme singye wangchuck, the fourth king, ascended the throne on 1972, continuing the domestic and foreign policies of his predecessor.
economic development
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Economic overview Agriculture is a pillar industry in Bhutan. After the land reform in 1950s, more than 98% farmers owned land and houses. Food is basically self-sufficient. At present, agriculture accounts for about 23% of Bhutan's GDP (fiscal year 2005/06), and the agricultural population accounts for 63.3% of the total employed population. In recent years, the proportion of secondary industry and tertiary industry in Bhutan has risen rapidly, accounting for about 35% and 42% of GDP respectively in fiscal year 2005/06. Exporting hydropower and related construction industries to India has become one of the pillars of Bhutan's economy.
From June, 5438 to February, 2002, the government of Bhutan opened its manufacturing and service industries, and the foreign capital control reached 70%, which marked the official opening of Bhutan to foreign direct investment.
From 196 1, Bhutan began to implement the "five-year plan" for economic development. India, Switzerland, the United Nations Development Programme and other countries and international organizations provide economic assistance. The Ninth Five-Year Plan (initially from 2002 to 2007, and announced in June 2006 that it will be extended to 2008) aims to further implement and implement the concept of "gross national happiness" on the basis of the Eighth Five-Year Plan, pursue balanced and sustainable development of economy, environment, society and culture, and strive to maintain an annual economic growth rate of 7-9%.
In 2003, in the Global Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme, Bhutan entered the ranks of middle developing countries for the first time. In 2006, Bhutan was ranked as 135.
Gross domestic product (fiscal year 2005/06, the same below): US$ 804 million.
Growth rate: 6.5%
Per capita GDP: 1245 USD.
Currency name: NU (Nu. ), equivalent to Indian Rupee.
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈44.7 Nu
Inflation rate: 4.7%
Unemployment rate: 3. 1%
Resources include dolomite, limestone, marble, graphite, gypsum and other mineral deposits. Rich in hydraulic resources, with a reserve of about 30,000 MW. At present, only 1.5% has been developed and utilized.
Industry In fiscal year 2005/06, Bhutan's power industry produced 73.47 million US dollars, accounting for 10% of GDP. The output value of construction industry is/kloc-0.05 billion USD, accounting for/kloc-0.7% of GDP. The output value of manufacturing industry is 43.65 million US dollars, accounting for 7% of GDP. There is also a small amount of mining.
The cultivated land area of agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry accounts for 16% of the total area, and the main crops are corn, rice, wheat, barley, buckwheat and potato. The forest coverage rate is 72.5%, of which 26% is a nature reserve, which is famous for its rich trees and flowers. Rich in fruits, apples and oranges are exported to India and Bangladesh.
Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange. Tourism is opened from 65438 to 0974, but it is strictly controlled. Generally, only group tours are accepted. At the same time, for the sake of environmental protection, the minimum consumption system for overseas tourists is 165-200 USD per person per day. Tourists mainly come from America, Japan, Germany and France. In fiscal year 2005/06, the number of inbound tourists was 654.38+500,000, and the tourism income was 20.8 million US dollars, an increase of 35.8%.
Transportation In 2005, the total mileage of national highways was 4,392.5 kilometers. During the Ninth Five-Year Plan period, it is planned to build 587 kilometers of highways. It has nearly 30,000 motor vehicles. Horses, cows and mules are still the main means of transportation in mountainous areas. Paro, about 65 kilometers from the capital Thimphu, is the only airport. Bhutan Airlines was established in February, 1983, and its main route is to fly to South Asian capitals. In 2005, it carried 90,000 passengers. In 2006, Bhutan signed memorandums of understanding with India, Thailand and Bangladesh to strengthen air links.
Communication and Post Bhutan Telecom Company was established in1June, 1999, and the national computer internet was established in the same year. There are 32,700 fixed telephones, 37,800 mobile phone users and post offices10/kloc-0.
The fiscal year begins on July 1 every year. In fiscal year 2005/06, Bhutan's gross national income was US$ 300 million, an increase of 65,438+02%. The total expenditure was $36 1 billion, an increase of 4%. Foreign exchange reserves were about US$ 479 million, an increase of 37.8%. The foreign debt was 68 1 billion USD, with an increase of 12%. The budgeted expenditure for fiscal year 2006/07 is $400 million.
The main financial institutions are Royal Monetary Authority and Bank of Bhutan. 1996 The government allowed the financial sector to issue shares and signed agreements with the Asian Development Bank and Citibank to allow it to buy less than 40% of the shares of Bhutan National Bank.
In the fiscal year 2005/2006, Bhutan's foreign trade totaled 667 million US dollars, mainly among SAARC member countries. India is the largest trading partner and has signed a free trade agreement with Bhutan. Bhutan's imports and exports to India account for 87.6% and 75. 1% of its total imports and exports respectively. Other major trading partners are Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Germany. No, Bangladesh has preferential trade agreements. The main export products are electricity, chemicals, wood, processed food and mineral products. Imported products are mainly fuels, grains, automobiles, machinery, metals, etc. 1998 became an observer of the WTO, and now applies to become a full member.
Foreign aid for economic construction depends largely on foreign countries and international organizations. In the past 15 years, the average annual growth rate of foreign aid received was 18%. In the fiscal year 2005/2006, the country received foreign aid of US$ 65,438. India, Denmark, the Netherlands, Japan and the World Bank are the largest donors. In the fiscal year 2005/06, India accounted for 56.9% of Bhutan's total foreign aid.
Free medical care is implemented throughout the country, and basic medical services have covered more than 90% of the population. There are 29 hospitals and 650 other medical institutions. The average life expectancy is 66. 1 year and the infant mortality rate is 40‰. Traditional medicine originated from Tibetan medicine and is still widely used at present. The three major items in an ordinary family are watches, radios and rice cookers, accounting for 75%, 67% and 3 1% respectively.
Military profile
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The military armed forces are mainly composed of the Royal Army, the Royal Police and the Royal Guard, with more than * * * 1.4 million people. Under the conscription system, the king is the supreme commander of the armed forces. All military expenditures, most equipment and materials are provided by India.
cultural education
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Education is free. There are 5 12 schools of all kinds in China, with more than 10,000 students190. At present, the enrollment rate of school-age children is 96%. The national literacy rate is about 60%. In June 2003, the Royal University of Bhutan, the first university in Bhutan, was formally established.
The press and publication government established the Bhutan Press and Broadcasting Agency, which is responsible for the management of national radio and television affairs. Broadcasting companies provide radio and television services. Quensel is the official newspaper. In 2006, private newspapers Bhutan Times and Bhutan Observer were published. There is also a quarterly magazine, Drucker Lausel, published in Zongka, English and Nepali.
Sports archery and wrestling are traditional sports.
Diplomatic relations
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The two main objectives of Bhutan's foreign policy are to strengthen and safeguard Bhutan's sovereignty and independence and achieve economic autonomy. It advocates that all countries, big or small, are equal, pursues a non-aligned policy, and develops friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, especially neighboring countries, on the basis of peace. By 2006, it has established diplomatic relations with 265,438+0 countries and the European Union, with permanent representative offices in new york and Geneva, embassies in India, Bangladesh, Kuwait and Thailand, and 65,438+05 honorary consuls in 65,438+04 countries. India and Bangladesh have embassies in Bhutan. Bhutan joined the United Nations on 197 1 and is now a member of several international organizations.
The relationship with India is not close. 1949 signed a permanent treaty of peace and friendship, and 1968 established diplomatic relations.
In 2003, the Bhutanese government launched a military operation against the anti-government forces in northeastern India, such as the Assam United Liberation Front, and destroyed their bases in China.
From June 5th to1October 5th, 2006, Bhutanese Foreign Minister Kandu wangchuck visited India. Bhutan-India Development Cooperation Dialogue held in New Delhi. In July, King jigme singye wangchuck paid a working visit to India. On June 5438+ 10, Indian Foreign Secretary Menon and Minister of Water Resources Sauzee visited India respectively. 65438+February, Indian Foreign Minister Mukherjee visited Bhutan; Do not print over 40 years of demarcation, demarcation and re-establishment of boundary markers.
Since 1979, Bhutan has been asking for the revision of the Treaty of Permanent Peace and Friendship. In February 2007, King Khesar wangchuck of Bhutan paid an official visit to India, and the two sides signed a revised friendship treaty. In March, the treaty came into force.
The two countries practice open borders and free trade. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, donor and creditor. In July 2006, the two countries renewed the Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transshipment, valid for 10 year.
Relations with other countries in South Asia Bhutan has established diplomatic relations with all countries in South Asia except Afghanistan, with increasing exchanges.
Bhutan and Nepal have refugee problems. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bhutan expelled about 654.38 million Nepalese living in the country. These people have flooded into Nepal and are currently living in seven refugee camps managed by UNHCR in eastern Nepal. Since 1993, the two sides have held 15 rounds of joint ministerial committees to discuss and solve this problem. Nepal demanded that these refugees be repatriated to Bhutan, and Bhutan agreed to accept some refugees on the basis of refugee status screening. 1In September 1999, the two sides set up a "Joint Identification Group" to identify refugees in Nepal, and reached an agreement on the classification of refugees in 2003. However, the issue of repatriation has so far failed to make substantial progress.
Bhutan actively advocates strengthening regional cooperation in South Asia and is a member of SAARC. In 2003, Bhutan joined the initiative of multi-field economic and technological cooperation around the Bay of Bengal. In March 2005, the former Bhutanese ambassador to Thailand, Kaya Dorje, was appointed as the eighth Secretary-General of SAARC for a three-year term. In April 2006, Bhutan held the 4th South Asia Insurance Regulatory Forum. In May, the first meeting of culture ministers of the member countries of the "Initiative for Multi-field Economic and Technological Cooperation around the Bay of Bengal" was held in Paro.
Relations with countries outside South Asia began at 1985. Bhutan began to develop cross-regional diplomacy and established diplomatic relations with the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Finland, South Korea, Austria, Thailand and Bahrain. Since 2002, it has established diplomatic relations with Australia, Singapore and Canada respectively.
Relations with China have not yet been established, but the relations between the two countries have always been friendly, and the border areas have generally remained peaceful and tranquil. Since 1984, the two countries have held 16 rounds of border talks. From 65438 to 0998, the two countries signed the Agreement on Maintaining Peace and Tranquility in the Border Areas of China and Africa. This is the first agreement signed by the two governments. In 2000, the two governments reached an agreement to retain the honorary consulate of the Kingdom of Bhutan in the China Special Administrative Region. In April, 20001year, the religious leader of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Master Yangteng Jiazeng (No.2 in the religious circle of Bhutan), led a Bhutanese cultural delegation to visit China. In July, Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Jin Wu? Lin Ze led an official Bhutanese delegation to visit China. 10, Auditor-General Kunzang of Bhutan Audit Office? Wang Dun led a delegation to visit China. 165438+1At the end of October, the fifth round of China-Bhutan border talks was held in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
The border between China and Africa is about 600 kilometers long and has never been formally demarcated. Since 1984, China and Africa have held border talks between China and Africa in Beijing and Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. 1998, during the 12 round of border talks, the two countries signed the Agreement between the Government of People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Maintaining Peace and Tranquility in the Border Areas between China and Africa. This is the first intergovernmental agreement between the two countries, which is of great significance to maintaining the stability of the border areas between the two countries and creating favorable conditions for seeking a solution to the border issue. In July 2005, Luo Zhaohui, Deputy Director of the Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led a delegation to Bhutan to hold the second meeting of the China-Africa border expert group.
Democracy in Bhutan, Himalayan Kingdom
Do you want a monarchy that has existed for a hundred years and led the people to develop steadily for more than 20 years with a growth rate of 6%, or a democratic system in which the people are masters of their own affairs but are unfamiliar and have no idea about the future? For Bhutanese, there is no choice on this issue, because their king has made a choice. For the future well-being of the people, the beloved king launched a campaign to abolish power from top to bottom.
A gift from the king to the people.
This Himalayan kingdom surrounded by mountains made a leap from hereditary monarchy to parliamentary democracy on March 24th. In the National Assembly election from 8: 00 am to 5: 00 pm, 250,000 Bhutanese voters dressed in traditional costumes waited in line at polling stations all over the country in an orderly manner, and elected a new government with the buttons of electronic voting machines. Kong Zhang Wang Di, the chief commissioner of the Election Commission, greeted the familiar people and joined the crowd waiting in line at the polling station. After the vote, Kong Zhang Wang Di's expression was relaxed. He told the media that he was happy to be a part of the historical process. But just a year ago, Kong Zhang Wang Di couldn't even make such a gesture. He loves the king. "You can't choose such a leader in the election." He once told the media with great anxiety. As the highest official in charge of the election, he has always been ambivalent: in order to realize the king's wishes, he must do a good job of weakening the king's power.
In Bhutan, Kong Zhang Wang Di represents the general mentality of people. Democracy is a gift from the king to the people, and the people dare not even think about it. Two years ago, jigme singye wangchuck, the fourth king who reigned for 34 years, announced his abdication, and the throne was passed to his son who was born in 1980. At the same time, he told the people that Bhutan will move towards democracy and hand over power to the people in 2008. In the face of the king's decision, the people of Bhutan reacted with shock and anxiety. They don't know why they need democracy, and some old people even hide their faces and cry.
According to the Constitution of Bhutan, after the election of the National Assembly and the establishment of the new government, the king is the head of state of Bhutan, and the parliament can impeach the king with the support of two-thirds majority. "No Bhutanese is willing to accept this wonderful burden." Jigme Tinley, who led the prosperous Progressive Party to win this election, once said. Jigme Tinley has twice served as Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Interior and Culture.
The monarchy can't guarantee a good king forever.
The Bhutanese people's nostalgia for the monarchy is based on the king's outstanding achievements in recent years: while some democratic countries in South Asia, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, are still in chaos, Bhutan is developing steadily. 1972, when the fourth king just succeeded to the throne, Bhutan was poor, with an average life expectancy of only 40 years. However, under the leadership of the king, Bhutan took a unique road to modernization. Driven by hydropower, tourism, mining and other industries, the economy has experienced rapid growth year after year. In 2006, the average life expectancy of Bhutanese has reached 66 years, the per capita GDP has reached 1400 US dollars, twice that of India, and the real GDP growth has reached 8.5%.
The 50-year-old king who just announced his abdication has great personality charm. He always walks around Bhutan and talks directly with the people. Every citizen can write directly. If people have comments or suggestions, leave the letter on the side of the road where his car passes, hold it down with stones, and wait for him to get off and take it away personally.
The prosperity of the country is reflected in all aspects. The capital Thimphu is full of construction sites, and urban construction embodies Bhutan's concept of governing the country-gross national happiness. The fourth king, who was educated in England, put forward this idea in the 1970s. He believed that national policies should pay attention to people's inner happiness and should aim at achieving happiness. Under the guidance of this ruling idea, Bhutan has put forward the "Gross National Happiness" index, which is composed of four poles: good government governance, economic growth, cultural development and environmental protection, and thinks that this index is more important than GDP. Therefore, Bhutan's rapid economic growth has not come at the expense of environmental and cultural characteristics.
But the king's goal is more ambitious, and his ultimate goal is to hand over power to the people. Mike Woodland, a British private school teacher in the early years of the fourth king and now living in Bhutan, told reporters that the king did not decide to promote democratization in Bhutan because of some pressure. 1992 or so, the fourth king began to discuss with him the plan to establish democratic politics in Bhutan. At that time, the king was worried that with Bhutan's increasing contact with the outside world, autocratic monarchy would make the government unstable. The king has repeatedly said that the monarchy cannot guarantee that he will always be a good king.
The fifth king, Jigme Hersal Namgyel wangchuck, graduated from Oxford University and was a staunch promoter of his father's last wish. On Saturday before the election, the handsome young "post-80s" king made the final mobilization for the people. In an open letter to the people, he wrote: "This election and the democracy we are going to establish are the results of the sacrifices and efforts of several generations of Bhutanese people. This is a very important step to make the country strong. If the country wins, there is only one winner.
The people trusted the king. Since the king says democracy is a good thing, they should try their best to practice it despite their doubts. Abu Hadi, 8 1 year-old, rushed to the polling station in the North Thimphu constituency from his home three kilometers away. He has been king four times. Under the rule of the monarch, he said that he had a peaceful and happy time, but now that the king has decided to hand over power to the people, he decided to vote for the candidate who he thinks is qualified for the next generation. "I vote for my country."
"I can't imagine a democracy without media freedom."
In the March 24th election, druk phuensum tshogpa defeated the People's Democratic Party overwhelmingly, and finally won 44 of the 47 seats, while the People's Democratic Party won only 3 seats, which was a result that was unexpected to everyone. Yixi Kimba, a newly elected member of the Prosperity and Progress Party, said at a news conference on March 25th that this was not their expected result. If the difference was not so great, it would better reflect the checks and balances needed for democracy.
The day before the election, spokesmen of both parties were very optimistic about winning the election. This is not a complete posturing, and most analysts believe that the gap between the votes of the two parties will not be too big. In fact, the situation on both sides is very similar. They are all young political parties, and they were established in response to the king's call. The People's Democratic Party was established in September 2007, with the former Minister of Agriculture Sanger Naidu as its chairman. The Prosperity and Progress Party was founded in June 2007, with former Prime Minister Jigme Tinley as its chairman. Both of them were "invited" to become party chairmen in response to party member's call after the establishment of the political party.
Because they are all carried out under the concept of "gross national happiness", there is no special difference between the two parties' ideas. Because of the similarity between the two parties, before the election, many people said they didn't know which party to vote for, but why did they show such a world of difference in the end? Zavir Penmos, the chief election observer from the European Union, believes that the platforms of the two parties are too close, so voters can only vote according to the personalities of the leaders of the two parties, rather than the policy differences they advocate. "This result shows that although people vote to realize the king's wishes, they actually don't want to change." Kenli Dorje, editor-in-chief of Kunzel, Bhutan's largest newspaper, said.
Facing people's general worries about the future, on March 25th, Jimeg Tinley, chairman of the prosperous and progressive party, who is about to become prime minister, said in an interview: "We are shouldering a heavy burden, that is, to build a strong and vibrant democratic politics according to our king's vision."
"We will encourage and support free and responsible media," wrote the platform of the victorious Prosperous Progressive Party. Yixi Kimba, a newly elected member of the Prosperous Progressive Party, also said: "Without media freedom, democracy cannot be imagined."
"The media has done a lot for this election, but it is not enough. In this small society, gossip is far more powerful than the media. " Kenli Dorje, editor-in-chief of Bhutan's national newspaper Kunzel, said that democracy is a brand-new thing for Bhutan, so politicians, officials, the public and the media themselves are learning to find their own roles in the democratic process. "Freedom of speech, freedom of the media and the right to obtain information are guaranteed in the draft constitution, but these rights are not for the media, but for the people. The responsibility of the media is to ensure that people enjoy this right. To this end, the media must be free and independent. " An editorial in Quensel wrote. (According to Southern Weekend/article)
Overview of Bhutan: covers an area of 38,000 square kilometers. It is located on the southern slope of the East Himalayan Mountains, bordering China on the east, north and west, and India on the south. The population is about 730,000. Bhutanese account for 80%, and the rest are Nepalese.