Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR)

Torrefy of Democratic Value: commenting on budding democracy of Bhutan

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Bhutan recently ended direct rule by its king and an elected government has ruled the country for a year. What factors led to the transition, and what has been the effect of democracy on issues such as the economy, human rights and corruption? This book, published by the Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA-Bhutan), argues that the king was compelled to transfer power and did not take the decision willingly. It highlights the economic growth the country has undergone but also the lack of improvements in the human rights situation.

For nearly two decades, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan resisted calls for democracy on the grounds that it would bring disaster to its isolated culture and traditions. Newspapers were banned, broadcasting was restricted, and political discussions were monitored closely or banned. However, as a result of global pressure, it chose last year to transform itself into a constitutional monarchy with a bi-party parliamentary democracy. The monarch retains most political power, can directly interfere in government activities, and reject decisions of parliament. The first elected government took power on 9 April 2008.

The book considers the impact of democracy on a number of key areas:

• Bhutan underwent unprecedented economic growth at the onset of its transition, which has made the new system popular. However, the government has yet to identify policies to realise a more equitable distribution of wealth.
• The transition has, to some extent, given liberty to the people. However, some religious figures are still prevented from voting, and demonstrations and trade unions remain restricted.
• The human rights situation in the country has not improved satisfactorily. The international community has been too willing to accept the version of events given by the government.  
• There has been little change to Bhutan’s judicial system. A proposed three-tier system has yet to emerge and the highest court of appeal remains the King.
• The constitution states that the king should retain control of the country’s foreign policy. The foreign minister is thus merely the king’s representative in the government on foreign policy matters.
• A number of positive changes have occurred in Education, including the opening of new schools. However, although some colleges have opened, they cannot accommodate the increasing number of students.
• It is hard to determine whether corruption has increased or decreased. The emergence of private media and public awareness of how public money is used has brought corruption cases into public forums.
• The country has remained relatively peaceful. However, there was an increase in violence by a number of groups - The Bhutan Communist Party and the United Liberation Front of Bhutan carried out bombings.

Democracy in Bhutan has a number of failings. In order to prevent the democratization process degrading into prolonged political instability and confrontation:

• Deficiencies in the constitution need to be corrected;
• Refugees need to be allowed to return with honour and dignity; and
• Political parties in exile need to be invited into the political process.

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