The 2nd Parliamentary election of Bhutan will take place on April 23, marking the completion of their first National Assembly’s term.
The first ever democratically elected government took charge in 2008, with the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa winning 45 of 47 seats in the parliament.
The ruling Druk Phuensum Tshogpa will now contest against People’s Democratic Party, Druk Nyamruk Tshogpa, Druk Chirwang Tshogpa, and Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party for a second term in office.
Traditionally an absolute monarchy, Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with a unicameral national parliament system, in 1999. In 2008, a bicameral system of parliament was introduced in this landlocked nation. Currently, the parliament of Bhutan has a National Council (Upper House), and a National Assembly (Lower House) – with the members of the latter directly elected by the citizens. The government is headed by the Prime Minister, and the King still remains the head of state, albeit without absolute power.
In the past five years, the first government made considerable strides: tax revenue continues to grow at a healthy pace of 26% – constituting 72% of total revenue; unemployment rate has reduced by 50%, and literacy rate is growing. Their GDP too grew from 14 billion Ngultrum in 2008-09, to 20 billion Ngultrum in 2011-12.