Bhutan's King is to hand power to his son and stage the kingdom’s first democratic elections in 2008, the state-run Kuensel newspaper reported on Sunday.In March, Thimphu came out with a draft constitution that aims to set up a two-party democracy after a century of absolute monarchy put in place with British help in 1907.‘‘I would like our people to know that the first national election to elect a government under a system of parliamentary democracy will take place in 2008,’’ the newspaper quoted King Jigme Singye Wangchuk at a rally in Trashi Yangtse.Wangchuck said his son, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, would take over from him in 2008.‘‘It is my wish and prayer that during the reign of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the Palden Drukpa (Bhutan) will remain strong and glorious . and the hopes and aspirations of our people will be fulfilled,’’ Wangchuk was quoted as saying.Reuters
