Bhutan today proudly proclaims itself as the youngest democracy in the world, entering the club of democratic nations in March this year following the successful conduct of its first-ever parliamentary elections. It has thus completed the transition from an absolute to a constitutional and 'well-liked' monarchy which coexists with a newly elected parliament and an accountable government.

In Bhutan, the elections came as the culmination of a steady and imaginative process to establish a constitutional monarchy that was initiated by the former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, more than 25 years back. Giving a lead that probably has no parallel anywhere, the King himself progressively gave room for the growth of institutions - parliamentary, legal, administrative, media, and others that matured and steadily enlarged their area of competence, with more and more authority being devolved on public bodies. Political parties too were allowed to participate in the election for the first time. The country's first democratically elected Prime Minister Jigme Thinley was sworn in on 25 March 2008. The next important step in this direction is for the National Assembly to ratify the draft constitution under which, the King would remain as the head of state, but Parliament will have the power to impeach him by a two-thirds vote.

The proposed constitution carries substantial promises with regard to the prospects of democracy in Bhutan. The preamble declares that "the people of Bhutan do hereby ordain and adopt this Constitution for the Kingdom of Bhutan." The constitution provides for separation of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Article 7 carries a long list of fundamental rights for the people of Bhutan that includes the right to life, liberty and security of person, and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion among others. The other notable provisions are public financing of election campaigns, the submission of affidavits by candidates regarding their criminal and economic background and some directive principles. It is reassuring to note that above 70 per cent of people exercised their franchise and that the Bhutanese have shown maturity in voting for stability. The participation of women in a large numbers in the maiden Bhutanese election was also particularly noteworthy.

Despite these positives, the transition to democracy in Bhutan is an uphill task. First, democracy in Bhutan has been more an act of grafting than a process of growth. It has been grafted in a soil accustomed to some hundred years of benevolent monarchy. Bhutan therefore still lacks a political culture which could help the growth of democracy. Second, the outcome of the election to the National Assembly shows that the world's newest democracy now has one of the world's smallest oppositions, with just three members in parliament. Third, Bhutanese are found to be a conformist people, and under royal rule criticism of the elite had been very rare. This mindset may stand in the way of free flow of opinion. Fourth, it is also alleged that the constitution has been drafted by "experts" and not by a duly-elected constituent assembly. Fifth, the new constitution has not addressed the plight of the Bhutanese of Nepal origin who have not been given due rights and representation. Sixth, another development detrimental to the growth of democracy is that Bhutan's territory is being used by Indian insurgent outfits like the ULFA, Maoists and so on. Finally, the success of democracy requires a change in the mindset of the people of Bhutan to accept and appreciate the virtues of democracy. It is however the case that that while the people of Bhutan want democracy they want the monarchy more. The outcome of the two rounds of mock elections held in April and May, 2007 was in favour of traditional values and the traditional system. This stubborn attitude of the people of Bhutan may hinder the progress of democracy in that land.

Nevertheless it is heartening to note that the kingdom has taken its first bold steps on the democratic journey. Democracy holds the key to addressing several issues of non-conventional security. It provides an opportunity to ensure domestic security through dialogue and people's participation in the process of governance. Democracy in Bhutan may be criticized as an imposition from above to perpetuate monarchy but today the king has occupied a position of impartial dignity and his authority is now strictly constitutional. The National Assembly is tasked with discussing the draft constitution and ratifying it. In conclusion, it can be said that in Bhutan a substantial process of democratic transition has begun. Even as the road ahead remains long and arduous the future is still promising and the goals not unachievable.