Introduction
The Druk Journal is contributing to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation state. It is becoming an increasingly 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 that are important for Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people that will play 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 community of people who are concerned about national issues and want 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 non-partisan 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 the participation of all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan in this endeavour. Each edition of The Druk Journal will focus on a particular theme. 2018 being a year of general elections this seventh issue of The Druk Journal carries the theme “Party Politics and Elections in the Democratisation of Bhutan”. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Democratisation of Bhutan
Spring 2018 Volume 4, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Editorial
DEMOCRACY IN BHUTAN
Political Parties in the 21st Century
Bjørn Førde
Democracy in Bhutan
Dr Brian C. Shaw
DEMOCRACY DECENTRALISED
Dhar from the Throne : an Honour and a Responsibility
Dasho Kinley Dorji
The Micro Effect of Democratisation in Rural Bhutan
Tshering Eudon
The Thromde Elections – an Inadequate Constituency?
Ugyen Penjore
POLITICS OF DEMOCRACY
Socio-economic Status and Electoral Participation in Bhutan
Kinley
National Interest Versus Party Interest: What Former Chimis Think of Parliamentary Discussions
Tashi Dema
The Bhutanese Politicians
Kesang Dema
Youth and Politics in an Evolving Democracy
Siok Sian Pek-Dorji
Bhutanese Women in Politics – Myths and Realities
Phuntshok Choden and Kunzang Lhamu
How the Bhutanese Vote in Elections: a Broad Mindscape of the Bhutanese Voter
Needrup Zangpo
REFLECTIONS ON THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Some Impact of Democratic Politics in Bhutan
Tshering Palden and Tempa Wangdi
Dr Karma Phuntsho on Bhutanese Democracy
The Druk Journal
SOCIAL MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY
Social Media in Democracy: Is Something Missing?
Stephan Sonnenberg
Social Media in Elections: What have We Wrought?
Emmanuel C. Lallana (PhD)
FROM THE POLITICAL PARTIES