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There was no domestic unrest, no economic, political or social crisis. And then,
as I said, there was also no pressure either from regional or from international
sources. We took control of our own destiny. And I think that is a very key
point. Then although democracy was introduced in 2008, the drafting of the
constitution began in 2001. The Drafting Committee was a very broad best
inclusive group. We have people from the government, from the monastic
community, certainly from the people. They took over five years to draft the
constitution, and when it was completed, a copy was distributed to every family
in the country. People read through, and they complained the language is too
tough. The language is too legalistic and then the King said to the Drafting
Committee, simplify. They took some time, simplified the language, restart
circulated it, every household. After that, the King and the Crown Prince, who is
the present King, travelled throughout the country to discuss the constitution
article by article, explained to them, listen to people’s concerns and took on
their feedback. It was also posted on line so that, those who could not
participate, those public discussion could give their comments. Then the King
said, before we go to the actual elections, we must have practice. So the
Election Commission was commanded to hold two rounds of nationwide practice
elections in April and May 2007. And this introduced people to the idea of
electronic voting machine or complicated election procedure and to the idea of
political party, which is, did not exist in Bhutan so far. Election Commission
created four parties called yellow party, red party, blue party, and green party.
Each one has their own manifest tools.
But, to say that, we have had practice elections does not mean that
Bhutanese people, we have not used to democracy or election. In fact, as far
back as 1953, democratization call it devolution began us by the establishment
of a National Assembly first at the village level democratization preceded.
When we established the formal National Assembly, people learned to elect
their representatives on the three-year basis. There were campaigns, there was
certainly no political parties or constitution. Then, maybe during the time of
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devolution in the United Kingdom or in India, local government also started in
Bhutan at district level in 1981 and then at village level in 1991.
What I’m suggesting ladies and gentlemen, is that democratization was
preceded by devolution and decentralization, preparing the village society first.
When our King thought that society is well prepared, he moved to the state
institutions. So, what did he do? In 1998, he step aside only to be the Head
of State. He said now the National Assembly must elect the head of
government. Although he nominated the candidates, it was the National
Assembly, who voted to endorse the candidates appointed by the King. So,
assembling of executive accountability to the legislature began then. There was
a long standing cabinet established in 1968. It was dissolved and then the
