Archive for March, 2008
Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.
Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.
Opposition seeks probe after Bhutan’s historic poll (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 31 (IANS) The first visible signs of protest and anguish over Bhutan’s transition from monarchy to democracy has been made public with the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) hinting that last week’s historic parliamentary elections was not fair.
Even after polls for change, Bhutanese keep faith in king (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU : Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
Indian experts begin consultation on Bhutanese refugee issue (Nepalnews. com)
Amidst two important incidents â third country resettlement of Bhutanese refugees and Bhutan’s transition to democracy through recent elections â Indian experts have begun discussion on the protracted issue of Bhutanese refugees on Monday.
Opposition seeks probe after Bhutan’s historic poll (New Kerala)
By Syed Zarir Hussain, Thimphu, March 31 : The first visible signs of protest and anguish over Bhutan’s transition from monarchy to democracy has been made public with the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) hinting that last week’s historic parliamentary elections was not fair.
NEPAL-BHUTAN:: Bhutan questions identity of 107,000 refugees in Nepal (AlertNet)
Source: IRIN As one of the world’s largest third-country resettlement processes started this week in Nepal, with over 10,000 Bhutanese refugees scheduled to be resettled in various Western countries by the end of 2008, Bhutan has disputed that all the refugees are in fact from Bhutan.
p0626 BC-Bhutan-Elections CORRECTIVE 03-29 0086 (Hays Daily News)
Eds: Members who used BC-Bhutan-Elections, sent March 24 with a Thimphu, Bhutan, dateline, are asked to use the following story.
Correction: Bhutan election story (Charleston Daily Mail)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — In a March 24 story about Bhutan holding its first democratic elections, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of the Himalayan country’s new prime minister. His name is Jigmi Y. Thinley, not Jigmi Kinley.
New home for Bhutan refugees (Stuff)
Christchurch will welcome about 30 Bhutanese refugees next month as New Zealand becomes the first country to resettle the displaced people.
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31 March, 2008 - With the regular vendors and sellers gone home to cast their ballot in the National Assembly election, ThimphuÂs dusty vegetable market had little to offer last weekend.
The Tomorrow Syndrome
31 March, 2008 - Hey, procrastinator: DonÂt you dare bookmark this to read later:
In 1956, George Armitage Miller, a professor of psychology at Princeton University wrote a paper entitled, The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. He had discovered that people can only focus on five to nine things at a time  anything beyond this has to be held in the unconscious mind. For most of us, it would be a dream come true if we only had to focus on five  or even nine  things!
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31 March, 2008 - Thinley Om, 37, from Phuentsholing is a vegetable vendor at the Thimphu
vegetable market. She spends about three days at the market.
1. When do you open and close the shop?
We open by Thursday afternoon and close late in the evening on Sunday.
The National Council is complete
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| His MajestyÂs five eminent appointees to the NC |
31 March, 2008 - “TomorrowÂs citizens and their leaders must be nurtured. Young people must be made a part of the important decisions of the nation. They must play a part in determining the future that they will live in.Â
Neglect of agriculture aggravates poverty
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| ESCAP report presented to media and government representatives |
31 March, 2008 - Chronic neglect of the agricultural sector in Asia and the Pacific is condemning 218 million people to continuing extreme poverty, and widening the gap between the regionÂs rich and poor, according to the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008, which was released in multiple locations, including Thimphu, on March 27 by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
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31 March, 2008 - BhutanÂs ambassador to Bangladesh, Tshering Dorji, presents his credentials to the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr Mahinda Rajapakse, on 17 March 2008 in Colombo, as the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Bhutan to Sri Lanka.
TB to a full stop
31 March, 2008 - Tuberculosis (TB) in Bhutan was well under control and in keeping with international standards, according to the programme manager for TB of the health ministry, Dr Pandup Tshering. But, as Bhutan observed World TB Day at Khasadrapchu, Thimphu, on March 28, the programme manager warned that TB could get out of hand because of the increasing number of people infected with HIV/AIDS and the MDR (multi drug resistant) variant of TB.
SAARC telemedicine project in place
31 March, 2008 - Except for a few complex cases, not all referrals will have to be sent to India with the inception of telemedicine facility in the country within the next few days.
The ÂconÂtractor and the orange growers
31 March, 2008 - It was on a pleasant afternoon in December last year when 53-year-old Yangka from Budashi met a well-dressed man near Phangkhar Zam.
VoterÂs tragic journey
31 March, 2008 - A 33-year-old pregnant woman, enroute to Lhuentse from Thimphu to cast her vote in the NA election, suffered a miscarriage on March 22, which may have been brought on by the bumpy road journey, say doctors of Bumthang hospital.
Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.
Even after polls for change, Bhutanese keep faith in king (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU : Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
NEPAL-BHUTAN:: Bhutan questions identity of 107,000 refugees in Nepal (AlertNet)
Source: IRIN As one of the world’s largest third-country resettlement processes started this week in Nepal, with over 10,000 Bhutanese refugees scheduled to be resettled in various Western countries by the end of 2008, Bhutan has disputed that all the refugees are in fact from Bhutan.
p0626 BC-Bhutan-Elections CORRECTIVE 03-29 0086 (Hays Daily News)
Eds: Members who used BC-Bhutan-Elections, sent March 24 with a Thimphu, Bhutan, dateline, are asked to use the following story.
Correction: Bhutan election story (Charleston Daily Mail)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — In a March 24 story about Bhutan holding its first democratic elections, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of the Himalayan country’s new prime minister. His name is Jigmi Y. Thinley, not Jigmi Kinley.
Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.
New home for Bhutan refugees (Stuff)
Christchurch will welcome about 30 Bhutanese refugees next month as New Zealand becomes the first country to resettle the displaced people.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Oakland Press)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
2 ex-teachers take Punakha (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - Punakha The two members of parliament elected from Punakha dzongkhag share a few things in common. They were trained in the same institute (College of Education in Paro), are good debaters, and both were national language teachers before joining politics.
Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote contoversy (The Times of India)
Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections.
Flying against the wind
29 March, 2008 - On March 25, a Paro-Kathmandu-Delhi flight was forced to halt overnight in Kathmandu owing to unsafe wind conditions in Paro. The unsuccessful flight is among the first of a part of a new and controversial March to mid-May flight schedule, which pilots say, is unsafe due to the afternoon timing coinciding with strong seasonal wind conditions.
High altitude brain drain
29 March, 2008 - BhutanÂs highest paid employees, Druk Air pilots and engineers, are leaving for international airlines creating a Âbrain drain crisis.
PDP asks ECB to investigate Âvery strange developments before elections
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| PDP in extended discussions after the press conference |
29 March, 2008 - After a full party meeting yesterday, attended by the candidates of all 47 constituencies, the PeopleÂs Democratic Party has called for an investigation into Âvery strange developments in the last two days before the March 24 election.
Phuentsholing result reversed
29 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic PartyÂs representation in the National Assembly was further reduced to two seats from three on Thursday, with the Election Commission of Bhutan admitting that it had made a mistake in the vote tally of the Phuentsholing constituency under Chukha dzongkhag.
A time for every purpose
29 March, 2008 - The international media viewed BhutanÂs first general election with some understanding and some confusion. That is why the international community is trying to comprehend how a Âroyalist party defeated a party led by Ârelatives of the royal familyÂ. And such misconceptions came even after the entire concept of a Bhutanese democracy was initiated by His Majesty the fourth King and the commitment that His Majesty the reigning King has expressed for a vibrant democracy.
DPT sweeps the board in Trashigang
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| DPT’s Jigme Tsheltrim, Choeki Wangmo, Lhatu, Minjur Dorji and Wangdi Norbu |
28 March, 2008 - TRASHIGANGBhutanÂs first National Assembly elections had its surprises and one of them was in the ThrimshingÂKangpara constituency where Druk Phuensum TshogpaÂs youngest candidate, 26-year-old Choeki Wangmo, beat the favourite, 48-year-old Dorji Choden of the PeopleÂs Democratic Party.
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| The cranes that presaged the poll results? |
28 March, 2008 - SAMTSE Hours before the results of the four constituencies in Samtse were to be declared, a flock of white birds, the locals called krang-krung (cranes), perched on a huge tree besides the returning officerÂs office.
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| PDP’s Tshering Tobgay |
28 March, 2008 - HAA : Sombaykha Of the three PDP candidates that won seats to the National Assembly only Tshering Tobgay of Sombaykha constituency in Haa won by a wide margin.
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| Ugyen Wangdi |
28 March, 2008 - MONGAR : Drametse-Ngatshang The DPTÂs candidate in Drametse-Ngatshang constituency, Ugyen Wangdi, secured a comprehensive victory over PDPÂs Namgay Om by a margin of over than 3,000 votes.
K Rangdol features in facile win
28 March, 2008 - LHUENTSE : Gangzur Minjey Druk Pheunsum TshogpaÂs Karma Rangdol won easily from the Gangzur Minjey constituency, Lhuentse district, in the March 24 National Assembly elections.
p0626 BC-Bhutan-Elections CORRECTIVE 03-29 0086 (Hays Daily News)
Eds: Members who used BC-Bhutan-Elections, sent March 24 with a Thimphu, Bhutan, dateline, are asked to use the following story.
Correction: Bhutan election story (Charleston Daily Mail)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — In a March 24 story about Bhutan holding its first democratic elections, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of the Himalayan country’s new prime minister. His name is Jigmi Y. Thinley, not Jigmi Kinley.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Oakland Press)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
2 ex-teachers take Punakha (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - Punakha The two members of parliament elected from Punakha dzongkhag share a few things in common. They were trained in the same institute (College of Education in Paro), are good debaters, and both were national language teachers before joining politics.
Shock defeat for S Ngedup (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - PUNAKHA Bhutanâs historic election suffered the biggest setback when the president of the Peopleâs Democratic Party, Sangay Ngedup, was defeated in his own constituency.
Bhutan takes first step towards democracy (Swissinfo)
Bhutan - a long-time recipient of Swiss development aid â earlier this week renounced its absolute monarchy after legislative elections in the country.
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (Calcutta News)
As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
Democracy comes to kingdom of Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese woman walk past an election campaign board on display in Thimphu. Bhutan brought down the curtain on a century of absolute monarchy as the king’s subjects went to the polls to elect the remote Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Exit monarchy, but long live the king in Bhutan (Central Chronicle)
Thimphu, March 26: Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
Correction: Bhutan Election Story (AP via Yahoo! Singapore News)
In a March 24 story about Bhutan holding its first democratic elections, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of the Himalayan country’s new prime minister.
Flying against the wind
29 March, 2008 - On March 25, a Paro-Kathmandu-Delhi flight was forced to halt overnight in Kathmandu owing to unsafe wind conditions in Paro. The unsuccessful flight is among the first of a part of a new and controversial March to mid-May flight schedule, which pilots say, is unsafe due to the afternoon timing coinciding with strong seasonal wind conditions.
High altitude brain drain
29 March, 2008 - BhutanÂs highest paid employees, Druk Air pilots and engineers, are leaving for international airlines creating a Âbrain drain crisis.
PDP asks ECB to investigate Âvery strange developments before elections
|
| PDP in extended discussions after the press conference |
29 March, 2008 - After a full party meeting yesterday, attended by the candidates of all 47 constituencies, the PeopleÂs Democratic Party has called for an investigation into Âvery strange developments in the last two days before the March 24 election.
Phuentsholing result reversed
29 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic PartyÂs representation in the National Assembly was further reduced to two seats from three on Thursday, with the Election Commission of Bhutan admitting that it had made a mistake in the vote tally of the Phuentsholing constituency under Chukha dzongkhag.
A time for every purpose
29 March, 2008 - The international media viewed BhutanÂs first general election with some understanding and some confusion. That is why the international community is trying to comprehend how a Âroyalist party defeated a party led by Ârelatives of the royal familyÂ. And such misconceptions came even after the entire concept of a Bhutanese democracy was initiated by His Majesty the fourth King and the commitment that His Majesty the reigning King has expressed for a vibrant democracy.
DPT sweeps the board in Trashigang
|
| DPT’s Jigme Tsheltrim, Choeki Wangmo, Lhatu, Minjur Dorji and Wangdi Norbu |
28 March, 2008 - TRASHIGANGBhutanÂs first National Assembly elections had its surprises and one of them was in the ThrimshingÂKangpara constituency where Druk Phuensum TshogpaÂs youngest candidate, 26-year-old Choeki Wangmo, beat the favourite, 48-year-old Dorji Choden of the PeopleÂs Democratic Party.
|
| The cranes that presaged the poll results? |
28 March, 2008 - SAMTSE Hours before the results of the four constituencies in Samtse were to be declared, a flock of white birds, the locals called krang-krung (cranes), perched on a huge tree besides the returning officerÂs office.
|
| PDP’s Tshering Tobgay |
28 March, 2008 - HAA : Sombaykha Of the three PDP candidates that won seats to the National Assembly only Tshering Tobgay of Sombaykha constituency in Haa won by a wide margin.
|
| Ugyen Wangdi |
28 March, 2008 - MONGAR : Drametse-Ngatshang The DPTÂs candidate in Drametse-Ngatshang constituency, Ugyen Wangdi, secured a comprehensive victory over PDPÂs Namgay Om by a margin of over than 3,000 votes.
K Rangdol features in facile win
28 March, 2008 - LHUENTSE : Gangzur Minjey Druk Pheunsum TshogpaÂs Karma Rangdol won easily from the Gangzur Minjey constituency, Lhuentse district, in the March 24 National Assembly elections.
BHUTAN: Royalists win election in Bhutan (AngolaPress)
THIMPHU, 03/25 - Long known as a quirky holdout from modernity, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan ended a century of absolute monarchy Monday by electing a staunch royalist as its first prime minister.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Oakland Press)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
2 ex-teachers take Punakha (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - Punakha The two members of parliament elected from Punakha dzongkhag share a few things in common. They were trained in the same institute (College of Education in Paro), are good debaters, and both were national language teachers before joining politics.
Shock defeat for S Ngedup (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - PUNAKHA Bhutanâs historic election suffered the biggest setback when the president of the Peopleâs Democratic Party, Sangay Ngedup, was defeated in his own constituency.
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (Calcutta News)
As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
Democracy comes to kingdom of Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese woman walk past an election campaign board on display in Thimphu. Bhutan brought down the curtain on a century of absolute monarchy as the king’s subjects went to the polls to elect the remote Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Exit monarchy, but long live the king in Bhutan (Central Chronicle)
Thimphu, March 26: Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
Faith in royalty drove DPT to victory in Bhutan (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 26 (IANS) ‘Unwavering allegiance’ to the institution of monarchy and total faith in the king could be among the main reasons for the landslide win of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in the historic parliamentary elections in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s new govt will not hesitate to act against NE rebels (Outlook India)
Bhutan’s new government will not hesitate to carry out a 2003-like operation against Indian insurgents if they sneak into its territory, the Bhutanese party which swept to power in the country’s first general election said today.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese polling officer inspects a polling center in the village of Kabesa, on the outskirts of Thimphu. Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom
DPT sweeps the board in Trashigang
|
| DPT’s Jigme Tsheltrim, Choeki Wangmo, Lhatu, Minjur Dorji and Wangdi Norbu |
28 March, 2008 - TRASHIGANGBhutanÂs first National Assembly elections had its surprises and one of them was in the ThrimshingÂKangpara constituency where Druk Phuensum TshogpaÂs youngest candidate, 26-year-old Choeki Wangmo, beat the favourite, 48-year-old Dorji Choden of the PeopleÂs Democratic Party.
|
| The cranes that presaged the poll results? |
28 March, 2008 - SAMTSE Hours before the results of the four constituencies in Samtse were to be declared, a flock of white birds, the locals called krang-krung (cranes), perched on a huge tree besides the returning officerÂs office.
|
| PDP’s Tshering Tobgay |
28 March, 2008 - HAA : Sombaykha Of the three PDP candidates that won seats to the National Assembly only Tshering Tobgay of Sombaykha constituency in Haa won by a wide margin.
|
| Ugyen Wangdi |
28 March, 2008 - MONGAR : Drametse-Ngatshang The DPTÂs candidate in Drametse-Ngatshang constituency, Ugyen Wangdi, secured a comprehensive victory over PDPÂs Namgay Om by a margin of over than 3,000 votes.
K Rangdol features in facile win
28 March, 2008 - LHUENTSE : Gangzur Minjey Druk Pheunsum TshogpaÂs Karma Rangdol won easily from the Gangzur Minjey constituency, Lhuentse district, in the March 24 National Assembly elections.
28 March, 2008 - MONGAR : Kengkhar-Weringla DPTÂs Sonam Penjore, 44, from Saling gewog, will represent Kengkhar-Weringla constituency, one of the remotest gewogs in Mongar dzongkhag, in the National Assembly.
DPT pulls the rug from under PDPÂs feet
28 March, 2008 - LHUENTSE : Menbi-TsankharIt was only a fortnight ago that the scattered land of Lhuentse was filled with gossip that the lower constituency of Menbi-Tsankhar belongs to PDPÂs Yeshey Dorji.
DPTÂs Chencho Dorji is NA elect from Phuentsholing
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| Chencho Dorji |
27 March, 2008 - CHHUKHA Phuentsholing
A notification issued today by the Election Commission of Bhutan states that the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa (DPT) candidate, Chencho Dorji, is the National Assembly elect from the Phuentsholing Constituency and not Rinzin Dorji of the PeopleÂs Democratic PartyÂs (PDP) as was declared on the evening of March 24.
The people have spoken
But what have they said?
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| Prime minister elect : a momentous moment |
The morning of March 24 was warm and sunny. It was one of the quietest days of the year. By nightfall the quiet became a stunned silence as the electorate gave Druk Phuensum Tshogpa 44 out of 47 constituencies, a landslide victory.
Most people, including winners and voters, were somewhat taken aback by the force of the electoral verdict. Observers were assessing the candidates and expecting a close race. They could not predict the most important element in an election… the electorate.
The greater responsibility is yet to come
27 March, 2008 - ÂIÂd like to thank the voters for the trust and the confidence that they have placed in Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), in the candidates that the party has fielded, and in me. It will be our endeavour to serve the King, country and people with the deepest of commitment and loyalty. We know that, in having voted for us, they have voted for a strong and vibrant democracy.Â
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Oakland Press)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
2 ex-teachers take Punakha (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - Punakha The two members of parliament elected from Punakha dzongkhag share a few things in common. They were trained in the same institute (College of Education in Paro), are good debaters, and both were national language teachers before joining politics.
Shock defeat for S Ngedup (Kuensel)
27 March, 2008 - PUNAKHA Bhutanâs historic election suffered the biggest setback when the president of the Peopleâs Democratic Party, Sangay Ngedup, was defeated in his own constituency.
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (Calcutta News)
As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
Democracy comes to kingdom of Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese woman walk past an election campaign board on display in Thimphu. Bhutan brought down the curtain on a century of absolute monarchy as the king’s subjects went to the polls to elect the remote Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Exit monarchy, but long live the king in Bhutan (Central Chronicle)
Thimphu, March 26: Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
Faith in royalty drove DPT to victory in Bhutan (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 26 (IANS) ‘Unwavering allegiance’ to the institution of monarchy and total faith in the king could be among the main reasons for the landslide win of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in the historic parliamentary elections in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s new govt will not hesitate to act against NE rebels (Outlook India)
Bhutan’s new government will not hesitate to carry out a 2003-like operation against Indian insurgents if they sneak into its territory, the Bhutanese party which swept to power in the country’s first general election said today.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese polling officer inspects a polling center in the village of Kabesa, on the outskirts of Thimphu. Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
DPTÂs Chencho Dorji is NA elect from Phuentsholing
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| Chencho Dorji |
27 March, 2008 - CHHUKHA Phuentsholing
A notification issued today by the Election Commission of Bhutan states that the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa (DPT) candidate, Chencho Dorji, is the National Assembly elect from the Phuentsholing Constituency and not Rinzin Dorji of the PeopleÂs Democratic PartyÂs (PDP) as was declared on the evening of March 24.
The people have spoken
But what have they said?
|
| Prime minister elect : a momentous moment |
The morning of March 24 was warm and sunny. It was one of the quietest days of the year. By nightfall the quiet became a stunned silence as the electorate gave Druk Phuensum Tshogpa 44 out of 47 constituencies, a landslide victory.
Most people, including winners and voters, were somewhat taken aback by the force of the electoral verdict. Observers were assessing the candidates and expecting a close race. They could not predict the most important element in an election… the electorate.
The greater responsibility is yet to come
27 March, 2008 - ÂIÂd like to thank the voters for the trust and the confidence that they have placed in Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), in the candidates that the party has fielded, and in me. It will be our endeavour to serve the King, country and people with the deepest of commitment and loyalty. We know that, in having voted for us, they have voted for a strong and vibrant democracy.Â
Bureaucrats make postal ballots count
27 March, 2008 - Almost 78 percent of the postal votes were for the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa indicating that a large number of civil servants, armed officials and students had actually supported the party to win the countryÂs first general election.
ÂWe will live to fight another dayÂ
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27 March, 2008 - ÂRally around the new leadership. Give DPT all the support and, when they form the government, give them all cooperation and let democracy succeed and let all of us fulfill the vision of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.Â
27 March, 2008 - Despite winning in three of the five gewogs of Chapcha-Bongo constituency, the PeopleÂs Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Kunzang Dorji, lost to Druk Phuensum TshogpaÂs (DPT) Ugay Tshering.
Two out of two for DPT in Tsirang
27 March, 2008 - Kilkhorthang-MendelgangThe Sherpa to get to the top was DPTÂs Yangku Tshering Sherpa, who secured a total of 5,628 votes, including 293 postal votes, from the six gewogs in Kilkhorthang-Mendelgang constituency.
Yangku Tshering Sherpa was all smiles as many supporters turned out to congratulate him in his little office in Tsirang.
27 March, 2008 - A fuming and dejected Kaka Tshering at a lunch party of PDP in Woochu captured the entire PDP mood. He said ,ÂIÂm seriously considering of not involving myself in politics at all and, as of now, IÂve neither the interest nor intention to be the local candidate in 2013.Â
27 March, 2008 - Just as the results poured in, so did party supporters, friends and well-wishers at Khandu WangchukÂs temporary residence in his parents house in Dopshari.
He could be seen busy answering numerous congratulatory calls from all over the country, while hugging everyone from family to complete strangers.
27 March, 2008 - Voters in Dagana dzongkhag only began to drift towards the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa after the partyÂs manifesto came out, say residents of Dagana.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Oakland Press)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (Calcutta News)
As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
Democracy comes to kingdom of Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese woman walk past an election campaign board on display in Thimphu. Bhutan brought down the curtain on a century of absolute monarchy as the king’s subjects went to the polls to elect the remote Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Exit monarchy, but long live the king in Bhutan (Central Chronicle)
Thimphu, March 26: Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.
Faith in royalty drove DPT to victory in Bhutan (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 26 (IANS) ‘Unwavering allegiance’ to the institution of monarchy and total faith in the king could be among the main reasons for the landslide win of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in the historic parliamentary elections in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s new govt will not hesitate to act against NE rebels (Outlook India)
Bhutan’s new government will not hesitate to carry out a 2003-like operation against Indian insurgents if they sneak into its territory, the Bhutanese party which swept to power in the country’s first general election said today.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese polling officer inspects a polling center in the village of Kabesa, on the outskirts of Thimphu. Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom
Manmohan to go to a democratic Bhutan in May (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) As Bhutan becomes the newest democracy in India’s neighbourhood after over 100 years of absolute monarchy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is readying to go to Thimphu in May - the first visit by an Indian prime minister to that country in more than a decade.
Bhutanese vote sees rejection of king’s in-laws (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
The people of the reclusive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan have delivered a stunning verdict in their first ever parliamentary polls, embracing democracy but overwhelmingly rejecting the king’s relatives by marriage.
Landmark elections begin in remote Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese man comes out of the Election Commission office in Thimphu on March 21. Voting began in the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan Monday, in elections that will select the country’s first ever democratic government and mark the end of absolute royal rule by the revered Wangchuk dynasty.
DPT to form the new government
Update 25 March, 2008 - The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa was formally declared as the Ruling Party by the Election Commission of Bhutan today, after having won 44 of the 47 seats to the National Assembly in yesterdayÂs election.
A landslide for Druk Phuensum Tshogpa
24 March, 2008 - The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, led by Jigmi Y Thinley, secured a landslide victory in BhutanÂs historic National Assembly elections today winning 44 of the 47 seats to the National Assembly.
Initial reports on the National Assembly results
97,921 cast vote in first two hours of polling
24 March, 2008 - Of the 318,465 voters on the electoral roll, 97,921 had cast their votes by around 11 am this morning in the National Assembly election according to officials of the election commission of Bhutan.
Election machinery up and running
 |
| The people who will ensure a free, fair and successful election |
23 March, 2008 - Forty-four-year-old Jigme Thinley had everything set: a sleeping bag, travel backpack, food items, clothes, trekking shoes and, essentially, the electronic voting machines, before he left for his polling centre.
Trashigang on the eve of E-Day
 |
| AllÂs in place for a peaceful polling |
23 March, 2008 - Close to 700 polling officers, presiding officers, and security personnel reached their respective polling stations on March 21, in Trashigang in preparation for the first parliamentary election on March 24.
Election Day is upon us
22 March, 2008 - Bhutan is set to go to polls on Monday to elect 47 of 94 candidates to the National Assembly and determine whether the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa or the PeopleÂs Democratic Party forms the countryÂs first elected government.
Will the postal ballot be pivotal?
22 March, 2008 - About 45 percent of the 36,313 registered postal voters will have to go to their respective polling stations to vote if they want to make a difference in National Assembly elections on March 24.
Sangay Ngedup most likely a shoo-in in Kabji-Talo
 |
| PDPÂs Sangay Ngedup and DPTÂs Tshering Penjor
|
NA ELECTIONS - PUNAKHA 22 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic Party must win in Kabji-Talo constituency from Punakha. This is, by and large, the general feeling in the constituency, especially among partyÂs supporters and also many observers.
Toss-up between youth/age in Nubi-Tangsibji
 |
| DPTÂs Nidup Zangpo and and PDPÂs Kaentsho Sampai Dendup |
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - If there is one constituency where the two candidates contesting for a seat in the National Assembly share an excellent rapport, it is in Nubi-Tangsibji of Trongsa dzongkhag.
Democracy comes to kingdom of Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese woman walk past an election campaign board on display in Thimphu. Bhutan brought down the curtain on a century of absolute monarchy as the king’s subjects went to the polls to elect the remote Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese polling officer inspects a polling center in the village of Kabesa, on the outskirts of Thimphu. Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom
Landmark elections begin in remote Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese man comes out of the Election Commission office in Thimphu on March 21. Voting began in the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan Monday, in elections that will select the country’s first ever democratic government and mark the end of absolute royal rule by the revered Wangchuk dynasty.
Bhutanese face subtle choices in first election (Reuters.co.uk)
PUNAKHA, Bhutan (Reuters) - The people of Bhutan face some subtle choices in their first parliamentary elections on Monday, choices that underline the changes democracy is bringing to this traditional Himalayan kingdom.
Bhutan king abandons total power (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU: Bhutan stands poised to become the worldâs newest democracy today with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom.
Bhutanese vote in historic polls (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU : Bhutan was set to bring a century of absolute monarchy to an end Monday with the election of the tiny Himalayan nation’s first democratic government.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU : Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom.
Royalists win in landslide in Bhutan’s first parliamentary vote (Straits Times)
THIMPHU (Bhutan) - THE Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan ended a century of absolute monarchy this week by electing a staunch royalist as its first prime minister.
Bhutanese Cautiously Approach First Vote (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan, March 22 — The journey of this tiny, tranquil Himalayan kingdom from a hereditary monarchy to a modern democracy has not been without pitfalls.
Royalist candidates win in landslide in Bhutan’s first parliamentary election (CNews)
THIMPHU, Bhutan - A political party seen as the more royalist of two groups seeking power swept the first parliamentary elections ever held in this secluded Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan’s election commissioner said Monday.
A landslide for Druk Phuensum Tshogpa
24 March, 2008 - The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, led by Jigmi Y Thinley, secured a landslide victory in BhutanÂs historic National Assembly elections today winning 44 of the 47 seats to the National Assembly.
Initial reports on the National Assembly results
97,921 cast vote in first two hours of polling
24 March, 2008 - Of the 318,465 voters on the electoral roll, 97,921 had cast their votes by around 11 am this morning in the National Assembly election according to officials of the election commission of Bhutan.
Election machinery up and running
|
| The people who will ensure a free, fair and successful election |
23 March, 2008 - Forty-four-year-old Jigme Thinley had everything set: a sleeping bag, travel backpack, food items, clothes, trekking shoes and, essentially, the electronic voting machines, before he left for his polling centre.
Trashigang on the eve of E-Day
|
| AllÂs in place for a peaceful polling |
23 March, 2008 - Close to 700 polling officers, presiding officers, and security personnel reached their respective polling stations on March 21, in Trashigang in preparation for the first parliamentary election on March 24.
Election Day is upon us
22 March, 2008 - Bhutan is set to go to polls on Monday to elect 47 of 94 candidates to the National Assembly and determine whether the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa or the PeopleÂs Democratic Party forms the countryÂs first elected government.
Will the postal ballot be pivotal?
22 March, 2008 - About 45 percent of the 36,313 registered postal voters will have to go to their respective polling stations to vote if they want to make a difference in National Assembly elections on March 24.
Sangay Ngedup most likely a shoo-in in Kabji-Talo
|
| PDPÂs Sangay Ngedup and DPTÂs Tshering Penjor
|
NA ELECTIONS - PUNAKHA 22 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic Party must win in Kabji-Talo constituency from Punakha. This is, by and large, the general feeling in the constituency, especially among partyÂs supporters and also many observers.
Toss-up between youth/age in Nubi-Tangsibji
|
| DPTÂs Nidup Zangpo and and PDPÂs Kaentsho Sampai Dendup |
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - If there is one constituency where the two candidates contesting for a seat in the National Assembly share an excellent rapport, it is in Nubi-Tangsibji of Trongsa dzongkhag.
WHO?
22 March, 2008 - Modern political science questions whether average citizens anywhere in the world have sufficient political information to cast meaningful votes. The general consensus is that only a handful of voters are sophisticated enough to truly understand politics and to base their votes on sound political analysis.
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese polling officer inspects a polling center in the village of Kabesa, on the outskirts of Thimphu. Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom
Bhutan’s king relinquishes total power with historic vote (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU : Bhutan stands poised to become the world’s newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their absolute rule over the mountainous kingdom.
Bhutanese face subtle choices in first election (Reuters.co.uk)
PUNAKHA, Bhutan (Reuters) - The people of Bhutan face some subtle choices in their first parliamentary elections on Monday, choices that underline the changes democracy is bringing to this traditional Himalayan kingdom.
Landmark elections begin in remote Bhutan (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese man comes out of the Election Commission office in Thimphu on March 21. Voting began in the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan Monday, in elections that will select the country’s first ever democratic government and mark the end of absolute royal rule by the revered Wangchuk dynasty.
Bhutan uneasy with democracy (The Monterey County Herald)
THIMPHU, Bhutan â The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
Historic polls set to begin as Bhutan ends royal rule (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese man comes out of the Election Commission office in Thimphu on March 21. Voters in this isolated Himalayan nation were set on Monday to elect the nation’s first democratic government and end a century of royal rule by the revered Wangchuk dynasty.
Bhutan’s king has willed democracy â like it or not (Arizona Daily Star)
THIMPHU, Bhutan â The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this deeply isolated corner of the Himalayas: The age of monarchs is ending, he said, and power should be yours.
Historic polls set to begin as Bhutan ends royal rule (AFP via Yahoo!7 News)
THIMPHU (AFP) - Voting began in the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan Monday, in elections that will select the country’s first ever democratic government and mark the end of absolute royal rule by the revered Wangchuk dynasty.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Standard-Times)
THIMPHU, Bhutan â The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this deeply isolated corner of the Himalayas:…
Bhutan tries to measure happiness (AFP via Yahoo!7 News)
THIMPHU (AFP) - For years, the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan boasted that it was mostly concerned with Gross National Happiness — and now it’s really going to try to actually measure it.
Election machinery up and running
|
| The people who will ensure a free, fair and successful election |
23 March, 2008 - Forty-four-year-old Jigme Thinley had everything set: a sleeping bag, travel backpack, food items, clothes, trekking shoes and, essentially, the electronic voting machines, before he left for his polling centre.
Trashigang on the eve of E-Day
|
| AllÂs in place for a peaceful polling |
23 March, 2008 - Close to 700 polling officers, presiding officers, and security personnel reached their respective polling stations on March 21, in Trashigang in preparation for the first parliamentary election on March 24.
Election Day is upon us
22 March, 2008 - Bhutan is set to go to polls on Monday to elect 47 of 94 candidates to the National Assembly and determine whether the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa or the PeopleÂs Democratic Party forms the countryÂs first elected government.
Will the postal ballot be pivotal?
22 March, 2008 - About 45 percent of the 36,313 registered postal voters will have to go to their respective polling stations to vote if they want to make a difference in National Assembly elections on March 24.
Sangay Ngedup most likely a shoo-in in Kabji-Talo
|
| PDPÂs Sangay Ngedup and DPTÂs Tshering Penjor
|
NA ELECTIONS - PUNAKHA 22 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic Party must win in Kabji-Talo constituency from Punakha. This is, by and large, the general feeling in the constituency, especially among partyÂs supporters and also many observers.
Toss-up between youth/age in Nubi-Tangsibji
|
| DPTÂs Nidup Zangpo and and PDPÂs Kaentsho Sampai Dendup |
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - If there is one constituency where the two candidates contesting for a seat in the National Assembly share an excellent rapport, it is in Nubi-Tangsibji of Trongsa dzongkhag.
WHO?
22 March, 2008 - Modern political science questions whether average citizens anywhere in the world have sufficient political information to cast meaningful votes. The general consensus is that only a handful of voters are sophisticated enough to truly understand politics and to base their votes on sound political analysis.
Bankers face off in water politics
 |
| DPTÂs Chencho Dorji and PDPÂs Tsencho Dorji |
NA ELECTIONS - PARO 22 March, 2008 - They both have the same names, worked as bankers, were in the same college, worked in the same city of Phuentsholing for some time and are also good friends.
DPT does some catching up
NA ELECTIONS : SAMTSE 22 March, 2008 - A few months ago when the candidates and the party presidents of the two political parties were on their familiarisation tour of SamtseÂs four constituencies, the vote bank was leaning more towards the PeopleÂs Democratic Party (PDP).
Shoring up support in Shompangkha
NA ELECTIONS - SARPANG 22 March, 2008 - Candidates of political parties contesting from Shompangkha constituency under Sarpang dzongkhag and their supporters spent the last days of their campaign going from door to door to meet voters.
Bhutanese Cautiously Approach First Vote (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan, March 22 — The journey of this tiny, tranquil Himalayan kingdom from a hereditary monarchy to a modern democracy has not been without pitfalls.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (The Standard-Times)
THIMPHU, Bhutan â The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this deeply isolated corner of the Himalayas:…
Bhutanese face subtle choices in first election (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
PUNAKHA, Bhutan (Reuters) - The people of Bhutan face some subtle choices in their first parliamentary elections on Monday, choices that underline the changes democracy is bringing to this traditional Himalayan kingdom.
Bhutan’s king has willed democracy â like it or not (Arizona Daily Star)
THIMPHU, Bhutan â The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this deeply isolated corner of the Himalayas: The age of monarchs is ending, he said, and power should be yours.
Post-feudal twist: Bhutan’s king gives up power and embraces democracy, but response is tepid (Charleston Daily Mail)
THIMPHU, Bhutan (AP) — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
Bhutan set for general election (Japan Today)
THIMPHU â Bhutan is all set for Sunday’s first-ever general election to the 47 constituencies of its National Assembly, officials and observers said Saturday.
Bhutan gears up for historic general election (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU, Bhutan : Bhutan plans to seal off its borden with northern India this weekend as a precaution ahead of Monday’s historic general election.
Bhutanâs king relinquishes power with historic vote (Khaleej Times)
THIMPU - The insular kingdom of Bhutan stands poised to become the worldâs newest democracy on Monday with historic polls ordered by its revered royal family to end their reign.
Bhutan gets ready for democracy with royal reluctance (Chicago Sun-Times)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this corner of the Himalayas: The age of monarchs is ending, he said, and power is yours.
Excitement, anxiety as Bhutan prepares for first big polls (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU: As the tiny Himalayan state of Bhutan readies for its first major polls next week, many people are still apprehensive of the changes that the country’s shift to democracy will bring.
Election Day is upon us
22 March, 2008 - Bhutan is set to go to polls on Monday to elect 47 of 94 candidates to the National Assembly and determine whether the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa or the PeopleÂs Democratic Party forms the countryÂs first elected government.
Will the postal ballot be pivotal?
22 March, 2008 - About 45 percent of the 36,313 registered postal voters will have to go to their respective polling stations to vote if they want to make a difference in National Assembly elections on March 24.
Sangay Ngedup most likely a shoo-in in Kabji-Talo
|
| PDPÂs Sangay Ngedup and DPTÂs Tshering Penjor
|
NA ELECTIONS - PUNAKHA 22 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic Party must win in Kabji-Talo constituency from Punakha. This is, by and large, the general feeling in the constituency, especially among partyÂs supporters and also many observers.
Toss-up between youth/age in Nubi-Tangsibji
|
| DPTÂs Nidup Zangpo and and PDPÂs Kaentsho Sampai Dendup |
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - If there is one constituency where the two candidates contesting for a seat in the National Assembly share an excellent rapport, it is in Nubi-Tangsibji of Trongsa dzongkhag.
WHO?
22 March, 2008 - Modern political science questions whether average citizens anywhere in the world have sufficient political information to cast meaningful votes. The general consensus is that only a handful of voters are sophisticated enough to truly understand politics and to base their votes on sound political analysis.
Bankers face off in water politics
|
| DPTÂs Chencho Dorji and PDPÂs Tsencho Dorji |
NA ELECTIONS - PARO 22 March, 2008 - They both have the same names, worked as bankers, were in the same college, worked in the same city of Phuentsholing for some time and are also good friends.
DPT does some catching up
NA ELECTIONS : SAMTSE 22 March, 2008 - A few months ago when the candidates and the party presidents of the two political parties were on their familiarisation tour of SamtseÂs four constituencies, the vote bank was leaning more towards the PeopleÂs Democratic Party (PDP).
Shoring up support in Shompangkha
NA ELECTIONS - SARPANG 22 March, 2008 - Candidates of political parties contesting from Shompangkha constituency under Sarpang dzongkhag and their supporters spent the last days of their campaign going from door to door to meet voters.
Bumdeling-Jamkhar seems to swing both ways
 |
| DPTÂs Duptho and PDPÂs Thukten Tshering |
NA ELECTIONS : TRASHIYANGTSE 22 March, 2008 - It has just been a few weeks since the black-necked cranes left their winter roosting grounds in Bumdeling and flew back to Tibet and the people in Trashiyangtse held their ribald festival of Gomphu Kora.
Korphu holds the key to Drakteng-Langthel
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - In many constituencies voters have made it clear that whoever can provide a road connection will get the votes. That may not be the case for Drakteng-Langthel, one of two constituencies of the central dzongkhag of Trongsa.
Bhutan gears up for historic general election (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU, Bhutan : Bhutan plans to seal off its borden with northern India this weekend as a precaution ahead of Monday’s historic general election.
Excitement, anxiety as Bhutan prepares for first big polls (Channel NewsAsia)
THIMPHU: As the tiny Himalayan state of Bhutan readies for its first major polls next week, many people are still apprehensive of the changes that the country’s shift to democracy will bring.
Bhutanese set for first polls (Gulf Daily News)
THIMPHU: The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century.
Bhutanese become reluctant voters (UPI)
Citizens of Bhutan are reluctantly preparing to vote in their first national election under orders from a king who prefers constitutional monarchy.
Tears, prayers as Bhutanâs Tibet refugees watch helplessly (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU: Tibetan refugees living in Bhutan say they are watching the upheaval in their Himalayan homeland nervously but are fearful of speaking out.
Exiles ask Bhutan king to defer Monday polls (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Kathmandu, March 22 (IANS) As the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan gears up to hold its first general election Monday, Bhutanese exiles in Nepal, who form nearly a sixth of the population and are barred from voting or contesting, are urging the king of Bhutan to dissolve the government and defer the polls.
Polls create rifts in Bhutan as king’s absolute rule ends (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Bhutan’s shift from absolute monarchy to the world’s newest democracy is creating unprecedented rifts as people row over which party to vote for in next week’s elections, observers say.
Exiles ask Bhutan king to defer Monday polls (New Kerala)
By Sudeshna Sarkar, Kathmandu, March 22 : As the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan gears up to hold its first general election Monday, Bhutanese exiles in Nepal, who form nearly a sixth of the population and are barred from voting or contesting, are urging the king of Bhutan to dissolve the government and defer the polls.
Preparations for Bhutan election in full swing (New Kerala)
Thimphu, Mar 21: Preparations for the first general elections in Bhutan are on in full swing. Voting machines have been checked and sealed and loaded onto mules.
The Future Bhutan (Sin Chew Jit Poh)
QUEUE FOR YOUR RIGHTS: Bhutanese people show their documents as they line up outside a polling station during the final round of mock voting. FATHER AND SON: Jigme Singye Wangchuck (R), former king of Bhutan, his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (L), the new king.
Election Day is upon us
22 March, 2008 - Bhutan is set to go to polls on Monday to elect 47 of 94 candidates to the National Assembly and determine whether the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa or the PeopleÂs Democratic Party forms the countryÂs first elected government.
Will the postal ballot be pivotal?
22 March, 2008 - About 45 percent of the 36,313 registered postal voters will have to go to their respective polling stations to vote if they want to make a difference in National Assembly elections on March 24.
Sangay Ngedup most likely a shoo-in in Kabji-Talo
|
| PDPÂs Sangay Ngedup and DPTÂs Tshering Penjor
|
NA ELECTIONS - PUNAKHA 22 March, 2008 - The PeopleÂs Democratic Party must win in Kabji-Talo constituency from Punakha. This is, by and large, the general feeling in the constituency, especially among partyÂs supporters and also many observers.
Toss-up between youth/age in Nubi-Tangsibji
|
| DPTÂs Nidup Zangpo and and PDPÂs Kaentsho Sampai Dendup |
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - If there is one constituency where the two candidates contesting for a seat in the National Assembly share an excellent rapport, it is in Nubi-Tangsibji of Trongsa dzongkhag.
WHO?
22 March, 2008 - Modern political science questions whether average citizens anywhere in the world have sufficient political information to cast meaningful votes. The general consensus is that only a handful of voters are sophisticated enough to truly understand politics and to base their votes on sound political analysis.
Bankers face off in water politics
|
| DPTÂs Chencho Dorji and PDPÂs Tsencho Dorji |
NA ELECTIONS - PARO 22 March, 2008 - They both have the same names, worked as bankers, were in the same college, worked in the same city of Phuentsholing for some time and are also good friends.
DPT does some catching up
NA ELECTIONS : SAMTSE 22 March, 2008 - A few months ago when the candidates and the party presidents of the two political parties were on their familiarisation tour of SamtseÂs four constituencies, the vote bank was leaning more towards the PeopleÂs Democratic Party (PDP).
Shoring up support in Shompangkha
NA ELECTIONS - SARPANG 22 March, 2008 - Candidates of political parties contesting from Shompangkha constituency under Sarpang dzongkhag and their supporters spent the last days of their campaign going from door to door to meet voters.
Bumdeling-Jamkhar seems to swing both ways
|
| DPTÂs Duptho and PDPÂs Thukten Tshering |
NA ELECTIONS : TRASHIYANGTSE 22 March, 2008 - It has just been a few weeks since the black-necked cranes left their winter roosting grounds in Bumdeling and flew back to Tibet and the people in Trashiyangtse held their ribald festival of Gomphu Kora.
Korphu holds the key to Drakteng-Langthel
NA ELECTIONS : TRONGSA 22 March, 2008 - In many constituencies voters have made it clear that whoever can provide a road connection will get the votes. That may not be the case for Drakteng-Langthel, one of two constituencies of the central dzongkhag of Trongsa.
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