Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Democracy Today
Spring 2022 | Volume 8, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Preface
Developing Democracy for the Short and Long Term
Lars Johannsen
A Spirit of Democracy: Shifting Mindsets and Attitudes
Siok Sian Pek Dorji
Bhutan Civics Education:Insights and Perspectives of Stakeholders
Rinzin Wangmo
Apolitical Nature of the Civil Service
Pema Tshoki
Democracy and Gross National Happiness:Beyond the Challenges
Shin Suto
Political Parties and Ideology
Lily Wangchuk
Bhutanese Democracy- Parallel Values
Kencho Pelzom
Nepal’s Experience with Democratic Politics
Sujeev Shakya
COVID-19, Democratic Attributes, and the Battle for the Nation’s Soul
Gyambo Sithey
Fifteen Years of Democracy in Bhutan : A Rural Perspective
Goembo
Elections in Bhutan: Facts and Reflections
Om Nirola
Effective Parliament for Governance
Jigme Zangpo
Experiencing Democracy: A Personal Reflection
Jagar Dorji
Worrying Trends in Bhutan’s Democracy
Karma Loday