King to Step Down and Hand Over to Son
The monarch of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan announced yesterday that he would step down as ruler in 2008 and hold the country's first national elections for parliament.
The monarch of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan announced yesterday that he would step down as ruler in 2008 and hold the country's first national elections for parliament.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck will be succeeded by his son, Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel, 25. The country has no political parties and few newspapers, and each year only about 6,000 tourists a year are allowed in, on carefully supervised tours.
In recent months the king has been moving Bhutan towards democracy and circulating a draft constitution. Voters will be able to elect parliamentarians who will have the power to impeach the monarch.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck will be succeeded by his son, Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel, 25. The country has no political parties and few newspapers, and each year only about 6,000 tourists a year are allowed in, on carefully supervised tours.
In recent months the king has been moving Bhutan towards democracy and circulating a draft constitution. Voters will be able to elect parliamentarians who will have the power to impeach the monarch.
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
- Tibetan Poachers Target Bhutan's 'miracle' Fungus
- Bhutan's King Brings in Party Democracy
- Bhutan King Leads Army Into Battle
- Bhutan - A Noble Experiment
- Bhutan : Land of the Thunder Dragon
- Bhutanese Refugees in Nepal
- Fast Forward Into Trouble
- A window on the world
- Minister of sponsored walks
- Bhutan Scores Worst Cup Victory