Bhutan operates as a democratic constitutional monarchy and holds elections to determine its political representatives. Here is some information about the election system in Bhutan:
- National Assembly Elections: The National Assembly of Bhutan is the lower house of the Parliament of Bhutan. It consists of members known as Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent various constituencies in the country. Elections for the National Assembly are held every five years. Bhutan follows a two-round electoral system for the National Assembly elections.
- Electoral Process: The Election Commission of Bhutan is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in the country. It ensures the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate nomination, and the counting of votes. The election campaigns in Bhutan focus on promoting values, policies, and visions rather than personal attacks.
- Voter Eligibility: Bhutanese citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote. Voter registration is required, and citizens must be included in the electoral roll to participate in elections. Eligible voters can cast their ballots at designated polling stations within their respective constituencies.
- Election Results: The political party that secures the majority of seats in the National Assembly forms the government. The leader of the winning party becomes the Prime Minister, who is responsible for leading the executive branch of the government. Bhutanese citizens also have the opportunity to elect their local leaders through local government elections.
It’s important to note that the democratic system in Bhutan is relatively young, as the country transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. The electoral process in Bhutan aims to preserve and promote Bhutanese values, culture, and well-being, which is often referred to as Gross National Happiness.
