Bhutan?s Dilemma of Democracy
07 Mar, 2003 · 983
Anand Kumar gives an account of the democratization process underway in Bhutan and warns against its acceleration for fear of creating a political vacuum
A significant progress was made by Bhutan towards democracy when its Constitution Drafting Committee submitted the first draft of the constitution; the constitutional process was started by the Royalty of Bhutan to give more powers to the Bhutanese parliament and to convert the kingdom to a constitutional monarchy.
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The steps were initiated by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck?s father; he instituted the National Assembly, the High Court and the Royal Advisory Council (RAC). Bhutan was also granted UN membership in 1971, months before his death. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has taken these changes further. A firm believer in democracy, he considers the constitution as an important document for any nation. He wants the political system to evolve for the betterment of Bhutan and its people and is impressed by the progress made by Singapore, also a small country with a small population.
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With these aims, the Bhutanese king appointed a 39-member drafting committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of the High Court, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye. This committee prepared the first draft of Bhutanese constitution, but its details will be made public only after its formal presentation by the King to the six-member Cabinet and the nine-member RAC. Thereafter, it will be discussed in the National Assembly.
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A peculiar feature of these developments is that the crown's authority is being diluted without being demanded by the people. The draft constitution has been received with mixed feelings; enthusiasm of making progress towards democracy is coupled with apprehensions on the changes that it will herald. Evaluation of multi-party democracy is underway. The institution of monarchy has a very strong over the Bhutanese population; the King is revered and not seen as an autocrat. This explains why many do not want him to relinquish power; there is a widespread perception that the present system has worked well thus far and there is no need for immediate change. Some also argue that the political system should be democratized only after the people are sufficiently familiar with the institutions of democracy. The prevalence of corruption and instability in several democratic societies is cited against the introduction of democracy.
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During this period of political transition, Bhutan faces two serious challenges: the problem of Indian separatists and disaffection among its subjects of Nepali origin. The presence of Indian separatists in the southern part of Bhutan has created a dilemma for the King as the Bhutanese forces are unable to deal with them and any unrestricted access to Indian security forces might impinge on the King?s domestic image. The issue relating to the people of Nepal origin is equally challenging with a large number of them are staying as refugees in Nepal and souring Nepal-Bhutan relations.
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In last couple of years, Bhutan has made steady progress on both political and economic fronts. The GDP of Bhutan has grown at a steady pace due to successful planning and privatization. This remarkable growth is attributed to the enlightened leadership of Wangchuck Kings; it is hardly surprising that the Bhutanese are reluctant for any political change. Nevertheless, the King seems determined to introduce democracy after emplacement of proper safeguards. He wants a constitution that will not only fulfill the aspirations of people and would be in the best interests of the nation, but also tailored to local needs. He expects the constitution to establish clear rules that govern the King and the royal family.
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The King professes great faith in the political maturity of his people and is confident that they are capable of good governance and can safeguard the sovereignty of the country. Bhutan had a taste of democracy for the first time in 2002, when local elections based on universal adult franchise were held in the country.
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Bhutan is at a crucial moment in history and is well placed to deal with the political changes under able leadership; its economy is booming at a time when most parts of the world are struggling with recession; and, its small size and population has certain advantages. However, any abrupt change should be avoided and monarchy should withdraw gradually without creating a political void.