Bhutan, 2008 and beyond

It is with deep personal satisfaction and happiness that I address this inaugural session of Parliament. After all, it is in a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity that we are gathered today to celebrate our nation’s historic achievement of a unique democratic transition.

Therefore, I commend the sense of duty and service that motivated the members of our first Parliament under Democratic Constitutional Monarchy. You have been a part of a transition that shall enter the history of our nation as one of our greatest endeavors.

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From the bombshell His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo dropped on his unsuspecting subjects on 9 December 2006 to the electoral rout meted out by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa on 27 March 2008, Bhutan’s roller-coaster ride from monarchy to democracy has been a run of one irony after another.

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Bhutan has become the youngest member in the club of parliamentary democracies. The peaceful elections on March 24th marked a key turning point in a smooth process of transition from monarchy to democracy. With the success of this historic process, the Bhutanese people have fulfilled the vision of the “father of democracy” the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

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Democracy is a country where politics is played 24×7. Politics has a lot of shock value and sound byte. The politicos never forget their political agenda. Their lexicon surrounds around vote-bank. There will be policy of scuttle. Petty bickering will now and then make the headlines. Few tyres will be punctured, and few chickens will be stolen. But, the leader must stand above all these. And amidst all these demo-crazy, he (used only for convenience) must be the pillar of wisdom, order and peace.

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I join my fellow countrymen in celebrating His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s 28th birth anniversary by sharing my favorite picture of His Majesty.

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