Flash back: Young democratic Bhutan. PART I

It has been slightly greater than half a dozen of years since Bhutan took her transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional democratic form of government. Within these years of transition, the citizens have witnessed a number of unprecedented events crafted in the history of Bhutan.

A major political reformation has taken place through the empowerment of people to elect their own government in pursuit of fulfilling their needs and aspirations. With high hopes and expectations from the Politicians, people of Bhutan have pressed their fingers on Electronic voting Machine on 24^th of March 2008 and 13^th of July 2013.



Former PM of Bhutan

The seed of democracy was sown in 2008 by Druk Phunsum Tshogpa( DPT) Government headed by 1^st democratically elected Prime Minister, lyonchen Jigme Yoezer Thinley, after his party winning landslide victory over PDP(Peoples Democratic party), headed by Ex Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Sangay Nidup. On 24^th March 2008, PDP has suffered unbelievable crushing defeat against Thinley’s party, when the president of PDP himself was lost by vast margin of votes from his own constituency.

Of 47 seats in the National Assembly of Bhutan, only 2 seats were reserved by PDP candidate one form Haa Sombeykha constituency and other form Gasa Khaotoe Laya constituency. With no other options, the two members of PDP has instituted the world’s smallest opposition institution in the country with huge duties and responsibilities shouldered to provide check and balance to the victorian government in the interest of our beloved Kings, people and the country proudly known as Tsa-Wa-Sum. The first and the smallest opposition were headed by a young, dynamic and exuberant member of parliament Tshering Tobgay from Haa district.

Along with the political reformations, the nation was shaken by number of natural calamities claiming the lives of many citizens. Just few months after the birth of democracy in Bhutan, the roaring Wangchu River has washed away the six precious lives of school children, the future asset of the Nation indeed.

Present: PM of Bhutan.

On 21^st September 2009, a seismic wave measuring 6.2 magnitudes on Richter scale had shaken the whole country with its epicenter spotted in Monagr region. Besides claiming lives of 11 people, the quake had also caused severe damages to uncountable public infrastructures, houses, chortens (stupa), lhakangs (monastery), schools, hospitals etc across the country amounting to Nu. 700 million losses incurred to the government.

In the preceding years, we have also witnessed Bumthang town being completely engulfed by fire twice within few months’ time and Wamrong town once in Tashigang District. The entire nation was shocked and deeply saddened in 2012 when historic Wangdiphodarng Dzong was completely raised to the ground by the fire.

The significant edifice was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan in 16^th century. Today this beautiful dzong (fortress) serves as a seat for Wangdi dzongkahg Administration and Rabdey.( Mnoastic body)

The flash flood in Gasa and outbreak of fire in Lhentse BOD (Bhutan oil distributor) had also emerged as headline news for BBS (Bhutan broadcasting Service), the only televised media in Bhutan and for many other print media of the country.