The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan on Monday successfully held its first parliamentary polls aimed at transforming the country from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy. Bhutanese authorities claimed that the polling ended with “overwhelming response” and it was a positive start for the country’s hopes to “embrace democracy”.

Altogether forty-four candidates contested for the 15 seats of the National Council (NC). Of 312,817 registered voters for the NC election, 269,963 people from 15 districts were eligible to exercise their franchise at 723 polling stations to elect 15 members to the upper house of Parliament Monday. However, the final turnout was not immediately available

Men in traditional bakus — full sleeved robes tied at the waist, and women dressed in ‘kiras’, sarong-like wraps, were seen lined up at polling stations in Sarpang constituency waiting to cast their votes.

All Bhutanese citizens must compulsorily wear their national costume and are penalized if found dressed otherwise in this country which is often called a protectorate of India.

India also looks after Bhutan’s foreign affairs and defense.

“Polling has ended with overwhelming response. It was a positive start for democracy and no problems were reported,” Bhutan’s chief election commissioner Dasho Kunzan Wangdi told AFP by telephone from the capital Thimphu after polling stations closed.

Elections were held for the 25-member National Council, or upper house in parliament, although Monday’s vote was for just 15 seats with another five due for polls in late January. Eight Nepali speaking candidates also contested in the election monitored by international observers including India and the UN.

The NC has 20 seats to be filled up through direct election by the voters and five to be filled up by five eminent nominees of the king.

Results to be gathered from electronic voting machines used for the first time in the country are expected later Monday or early Tuesday, Wangdi said.

The elections represent a dramatic shift of power in Bhutan orchestrated by former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The monarch abdicated in December 2006 in favor of Oxford-educated son King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as part of plans to introduce a constitution and hold direct elections, a break with a century of royal rule. nepalnews.com ag Jan 01 07