Thimphu, March 28: From absolute monarchy to two-party democracy, the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is all set for a historic plunge. Bhutan has over the weekend unveiled a 34-point constitution that is now being sent to all 530,000 adult citizens for their views.

The proposed constitution that specifies the role of the monarchy, the clergy and the duties and responsibilities of the people, is expected to be ratified by the year end after a referendum.

Once adopted, the constitution will swap a royal decree of 1953 giving the monarchy absolute power and alter Bhutan into a parliamentary democracy.

"The constitution will provide the legal framework for a democratic political system that is best suited for Bhutan," King Jigme Singye Wangchuk told community chiefs at a meeting organised to unveil the draft constitution in Bhutan's capital Thimphu.

The process of transition began in 2001 when King Wangchuk set the wheels of democracy rolling by mooting the idea of a change from the present monarchical system in the predominantly Buddhist nation.

Even before the transformation, the 49-year-old king handed over most of his powers pertaining to daily governance to a council of ministers and also authorised Bhutan's national assembly or parliament to effect a royal abdication if such a motion was backed by 75 percent of the members.

"Many said Bhutan was not ready for democracy and that it was too early to enact the constitution and concerns that a government formed by political parties would not work because of the lack of political experience," Wangchuk said.

"It was natural for people to have misgivings. But it was important to understand the political changes in the perspective of the current situation."

Under the proposed draft constitution, Bhutan will have a two-party democracy - a matter that was debated at length before it was incorporated in the constitution.

"Multi-party systems in other countries were studied carefully and it was felt that in Bhutan this system would not be conducive to political stability and might affect the success of democracy," the king said.

Wangchuk was crowned king in 1972 at the age of 16, the fourth monarch to be enthroned in Bhutan since the Wangchuk dynasty came to power in December 1907.

In sharp contrast to neighbouring Nepal where King Gyanendra seized power to topple the democratically elected government recently, it is the monarch in Wangchuk that spearheaded a change to democracy in Bhutan.

"All this was possible because of the complete trust and faith between the king and the people," Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said.

"The constitution is the embodiment of the faith that His Majesty himself has in the capability of the people to look after the national interest."

The chairman of the constitution drafting committee, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, said the new legislation will usher in a new era of hope.

"The constitution of Bhutan is a shining symbol of the devolution of power by His Majesty the King that conveys the eternal message of justice, liberty, and equality to the citizens," Tobgye, who is also the chief justice of Bhutan, said.
Courtesy Indo-Asian News Service