As the echoes of Bhutan’s parliamentary election reverberate, media reports unveil the triumph for Former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP), poised to seize the reins and forge a new government. Amidst the backdrop of an economic crisis casting shadows over the Himalayan nation, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service’s report resonates with the resounding victory of the PDP, securing an impressive 30 out of 47 National Assembly seats, while the Bhutan Tendrel Party claims the remaining 17.
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This watershed moment marks the nation’s fourth general election since its metamorphosis from a traditional monarchy to a parliamentary form of governance in 2008. The anticipatory air thickens as the Election Commission of Bhutan is on the verge of making its final declaration on Wednesday, unveiling the destiny of a nation at a crucial juncture.
Half a Million Voices Echoing Concerns Over Economic Challenges
Economic tumult and opportunity took center stage in the election campaigns, a paradox against the backdrop of Bhutan’s distinctive use of a “Gross National Happiness” index, transcending the conventional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Both participating parties, the PDP and the Bhutan Tendrel Party, pledge allegiance to a constitutionally enshrined philosophy, one that measures governmental success by the ethereal metrics of “happiness and wellbeing of the people.”
At the helm of this transformative moment is Tshering Tobgay, aged 58, poised to ascend to the prime ministerial throne for the second time. His political journey, from opposition leader in Bhutan’s inaugural parliament in 2008 to the precipice of a second term, intertwines with the trajectory of the present king’s reign. Amidst the victory celebrations, Tobgay raises the alarm about Bhutan’s “unprecedented economic challenges and mass exodus,” injecting a note of urgency into the post-election narrative.
The PDP manifesto amplifies Tobgay’s concerns, citing stark government statistics revealing that one in every eight Bhutanese is grappling to meet fundamental needs for sustenance. This stark reality underscores the gravity of the economic challenges that demand immediate attention and robust solutions.
As the political landscape transforms, approximately half a million voters cast their ballots, selecting representatives from a diverse pool of 94 candidates fielded by the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the PDP. Notably, the elimination of three other parties, including the center-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party, during the primary round in November, adds layers of significance to this electoral saga.
Youth Flock to Greener Pastures
Interestingly, beneath the triumphs and tribulations lies a subplot of a youth exodus seeking greener pastures. Australia emerges as the favored destination, with an unprecedented 15,000 Bhutanese issued visas in the 12 months leading to July 2022, surpassing the cumulative figures of the preceding six years. This influx, surpassing the cumulative figures of the past six years, equates to almost 2 percent of the kingdom’s population, painting a vivid picture of aspirations and dreams seeking fulfilment on foreign shores.
Nestled between geopolitical giants, China and India, this majority-Buddhist nation took its democratic leap in 2008, following the abdication of former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Approximately half a million Bhutanese voters meticulously navigated through a sea of 94 candidates put forth by the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This intricate electoral dance reached a climax with a pivotal primary round in November, 2023.
With the abdication of former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck in favor of his Oxford-educated son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutan embraced democracy with its inaugural free vote.
From GNH Index to Border Dynamics
Bhutan’s unique identity is encapsulated in its renowned Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, a distinctive economic gauge that transcends the conventional measures of gross domestic product. It embraces factors like recreation and emotional well-being, elements often overlooked in traditional economic assessments, as reported by Reuters.
Despite its modest size, Bhutan is intricately linked to its southern neighbor India, a relationship steeped in deep economic and trade connections. The country engages in delicate negotiations with China to resolve border disputes, a matter keenly observed by India amid its own border complexities with China. However, in the canvas of election campaigning, the border issue has not taken center stage.
In the midst of this democratic spectacle, nearly half a million voters hold the power to choose from among 94 candidates presented by the two political behemoths—the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Before the curtains fall on the electoral stage, both political contenders, BTP and PDP, brandish similar manifestos, pledging to propel the $3 billion economy forward. Bhutan’s heavy reliance on aid and tourism, the lifeblood of its economic engine, remains a critical focal point. Their shared vision extends to harnessing hydro-electric power, stimulating agricultural growth, and mitigating climate change risks in this globally unique carbon-negative nation.
Pledges, Skepticism, and the Quest for Trust
As the Bhutanese political landscape unfolds, both the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) unfurl promises of economic transformation—pledging to stimulate investment and bolster foreign exchange reserves. A stark reality check reveals the current reserves, standing at $464.66 million at the end of October, a significant dip from the robust $759.16 million recorded a mere year ago, as reported by the central bank.
Yet, amid these assurances, a note of skepticism permeates the air. Analysts caution against embracing these promises without a hint of cynicism, casting doubt on the parties’ ability to deliver tangible results if entrusted with the reins of power. Political analyst Sonam Tshering echoes the prevailing sentiment, remarking, “People now tend to be skeptical about promises the political parties make, as they have seen that many (past) promises remained unfulfilled.”
In the backdrop of Bhutan’s democratic evolution, marked by three elections since 2008, a unique pattern emerges—no party has been chosen twice to lead the government. This narrative underscores the discerning nature of Bhutanese voters, characterized by a maturity and discretion that demand promises to translate into action. Tshering emphasizes, “Bhutanese voters are much matured and discreet about whom they vote so that their votes remain secret.” The ballot becomes not just an act of democratic participation but a guarded expression of trust and expectation.
The Bhutan Tendrel Party, a newcomer born in 2022 and led by a former bureaucrat, stands in stark contrast to the People’s Democratic Party, founded in 2007 by Tshering Tobgay. Tobgay, who once steered the government post the 2013 elections, brings a seasoned perspective to the political arena. The clash between the new and the established adds layers of intrigue to the electoral saga.
