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New Delhi, 3 January 2006

Challenge For Leadership

BHUTAN MOVES TOWARDS DEMOCRACY

By Ashok Sharma

School of International Studies, JNU

Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is most likely going to be the newest democracy in South Asia in the near future..  King Jigme Singye Wangchuk has announced that he would abdicate the throne in favour of his 25-year-old Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk as the King in 2008. Soon after that, Bhutan will adopt a Constitution and conduct its first-ever polls to choose a Prime Minister under a parliamentary system of governance.

The transition began four years ago when the King handed over the absolute powers of daily governance to a Council of Ministers and empowered the national Assembly to force a royal abdication if the motion was backed by three-quarters of its membership. Bhutan earlier this year unveiled a 34-point constitution which is now being sent to some 530,000 citizens for their views and was expected to be ratified after a referendum. Once adopted, the Constitution will replace a royal decree of 1953 giving the monarch absolute power.

King Wangchuck is the fourth ruler in the Wangchuck dynasty that came to power in December 1907.Bhutan witnessed a remarkable progress in socio-economic development under him. Basic infrastructure like roads, hospitals and schools improved considerably. His move of decentralization and devolution of power has been the peak of his rule.

However, over one lakh Bhutanese refugees in United Nations-supervised camps in Nepal and another 25,000 Bhutanese refugees in Indian Territory are still languishing. It is alleged that these Nepali-speaking citizens of Bhutan, officially called Lhotshampas, were evicted from Bhutan under the so-called ethnic cleansing of minority ethnic and religious groups pursued by the Bhutanese Government.

Instead of becoming jubilant, the people were shocked at the King’s decision. They did not expect this transition would come so early. Most of the people of this tiny Himalayan Kingdom are happy with their traditional life style and they have full faith in the rule of the King. They have no grievances against the King. This gets reflected in the statement made by Kinley Dorji, Editor of the lone national newspaper 'Kuensel' in capital Thimphu that the entire nation was bewildered when the King made this surprise announcement and it came so early.

The traditional characteristics of a nation cannot be changed overnight as the current move for democracy wants an abrupt sweep across the continents for creating a safe and secure world for mankind. It has been also reported that people have been offering prayers for the well-being of the country. This kind of apprehension shows that people are not ready to accept the democratic conditions of their neighbouring countries like Nepal. It appears that they are accustomed to their traditional life style and where development is measured through the level of happiness. The present King has set the bar high and is leaving a secure foundation for his son and his people. Parliamentary system in Bhutan will not be easy to run as its population lacks the required rate of literacy and are poverty stricken. It would be a challenge for new Bhutanese leadership to deal with a population which is getting exposed to the outside world. Leadership will have to fulfil the growing aspirations and needs of the world in a new two party system.

New Delhi has welcomed the King’s decision and rendering it as a significant moment in the history of Bhutan, External affairs Ministry Spokesman Navtej Sarna said, “India, as always, wishes the people and the Government of Bhutan continued peace and stability, and the fulfilment of their aspirations as they embark towards the new Constitutional system,” Its significance on Indo-Bhutan relations is imperative as stability and prosperity of Bhutan has vital stakes for India.

India and Bhutan have traditionally enjoyed a warm and cordial relationship. Bhutan as the closest ally of India in South Asia, has always supported India in the SAARC forums and toed Indian line at the United Nations and International forums. A new “strategic partnership” has emerged out of the ashes of the “Operation All Clear”. Bhutan has not entertained India’s adversaries, be it China’s road construction activities on its immediate Northern borders in recent times or the issue of opening of Embassy of Pakistan in Bhutan. It has been cooperating with Indian military for combating separatist movements in north-eastern part of India.

King Wangchuk was the chief guest at the last Republic Day celebrations, an honour bestowed on leaders of countries with which India has especially strong ties. At present India and Bhutan are having co-operation in hydropower projects, border management and security-related issues. Both are cooperating by jointly upgrading border infrastructure and management through better roads and communication links as well as information sharing.

India is the single largest donor to Bhutan. It contributes substantially to its development budget with enormous economic aid. Bhutan receives over 20% of the annual budget of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India recently provided an assistance package worth $450 mn to Bhutan for its ninth five-year plan ending 2007.

The new parliamentary system would help in strengthening the relations between the two countries. India can also offer its help in establishing democratic institutions in Bhutan, if Bhutan desires. But it is for the Bhutan to decide what kind of help they really want from India. But It is in India's interest to see democracy take roots in its neighbourhood.

Instead of dealing with a just one person under the Monarchical system India will have to deal with a more plural and diversified power structure under parliamentary system. The king is supposed to be a key figure in the new form of government. This would require change in diplomacy for dealing with a new Bhutan.

The King’s renunciation may have shocked the people in Bhutan but in the long run it has averted an opposition or may be a revolution in waiting for his ouster. The King’s renunciation of power shows that absolute power of monarchy is a paradox in the era of democracy.  The King’s action is a lesson for the country like Nepal, where King Gyanendra has not been able to deal with democrats and have been suppressing them by taking the Opposition head on, putting the country in chaos and trouble. In fact, King Wangchuk has taken a wise decision to abdicate power and not wait for any revolution. Bhutan is finally edging towards democracy.

 (Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance