Bhutan unveils draft for 2-party rule, democracy

In 2001, he initiated the drafting of a new constitution.

‘‘The constitution will provide a legal framework for a democratic political system that is best suited for Bhutan, establish a system of governance that will safeguard the security and sovereignty of the nation,’’ the Information Ministry quoted Wangchuk as saying while unveiling the document on Saturday.

The draft will be distributed to more than 500,000 citizens for their views on plans to hand over powers to a council of ministers, introduce a system of two-party democracy and subject the monarchy to a confidence vote, a ministry official said from Thimphu, the capital of the landlocked nation. Once the new constitution—which took four years to prepare and also outlines the responsibilities of the king, clergy and ministers—is ratified by the people, it will replace a more than 50-year-old royal decree under which Bhutan has been run.

But some Bhutanese fear a move to democracy could lead to political instability as in neighbouring Nepal, where King Gyanendra sacked the elected government and seized power last month blaming politicians for failing to tackle a Maoist revolt.

‘‘People fear that democracy might throw Bhutan into chaos like Nepal, because politicians are not so experienced and there is always a chance of a power struggle among them,’’ one Bhutanese official reached over the telephone said.Officials say the 49-year-old Bhutanese king wants to ratify the constitution by a referendum by the end of this year.

A 39-member drafting committee headed by the Chief Justice—which included the Speaker of the National Assembly, two members from religious bodies and one elected member from each of the 20 districts—studied the constitutions of more than 50 countries. — Reuters