New Delhi: Bhutan King Jigme Singhe Wangchuk has announced his decision to abdicate the throne in 2008 after the Himalayan Kingdom holds its first elections.
He has nominated his son Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk as his successor.
The announcement was made by the Monarch in his National Day address at Trashiyangtse on Saturday, Bhutan's national newspaper Kuensel said on Sunday.
"I would also like our people to know that the Chhoetse Penlop (Crown Prince) will be enthroned as the Fifth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) in 2008. As it is necessary and important for a King to gain as much experience as possible to serve his country to the fullest capacity, I will be delegating my responsibilities to the Chhoetse Penlop before 2008," the newspaper reported.
The Crown Prince who is 25 years old, is the eldest of the King's ten children.
"During the next two years, the Election Commission would educate the people in the process of Parliamentary Democracy and electoral practice sessions would be conducted in all the 20 'dzongkhags'," said Wangchuk.
"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. After 26 years of the process of de-centralisation and devolution of powers to the people, I have every confidence that our people will be able to choose the best political party that can provide good governance and the interest of the nation," said the Monarch.
Wangchuk succeeded to the throne when he was 17 years of age in 1972 after the death of his father.
Comments
0 comment