Government of Bhutan
Bhutan's political system has
developed from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy.
In 1999, the fourth king of Bhutan created a body called the Lhengye
Zhungtshog (Council of Ministers). The 'Druk Gyalpo' (King of Druk
Yul) is head of state. Executive power is exercised by the Lhengye
Zhungtshog, the council of ministers. Legislative power was vested
in both the government and the former Grand National Assembly. On
the 17th of December 2005, the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck,
announced to a stunned nation that the first general elections would
be held in 2008, and that he would abdicate the throne in favor of
his eldest son, the crown prince. King Jigme Khesar Namgyal
Wangchuck took the throne on December 14, 2006 upon his father's
abdication. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was adorned with Bhutan's
Raven Crown at an ornate coronation ceremony in Thimphu on Thursday,
November 6, 2008, becoming the world's youngest reigning monarch and
head of the newest democracy.
The new democratic system comprises an upper and lower house, the
latter based on political party affiliations. Elections for the
upper house (National Council) were held on December 31, 2007, while
elections for the lower house, the 47-seat National Assembly, were
held on March 24, 2008. Two political parties, the People's
Democratic Party (PDP) headed by Sangay Ngedup, and the Druk
Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) headed by Jigmi Thinley, competed in the
National Assembly election. The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa won the
elections taking 45 out of 47 seats in the parliamen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhutan#Government_and_politics |
