DRUK Journal – Democracy in Bhutan – Spring 2018
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A Case Study of the 2018 Election in Bhutan
The Role of Facebook in an Election within an Emerging Democracy: A Case Study of the 2018 Election in Bhutan by Deki Choden BA (English Literature), MA (Communication Management) A Thesis submitted to Murdoch University to fulfill the requirements for the degree of Research Masters with Training in the discipline of Digital Communication School of Arts January 2019 Author’s Declaration The work contained in this thesis has not been previously submitted to meet requirements for an award at this or any other higher education institution. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made. ............................................... (Deki Choden) ii Abstract Since the emergence of the Internet and its widespread use around the globe, people have changed the way they communicate and the way they participate in politics. With a growing emphasis on social networking sites in election campaigns, previous studies have published varying conclusions on the effects of social media in political campaigns. However, there has been limited focus on the use of Facebook in particular as the largest social networking site, and how it facilitates political communication. Existing studies that focus on Facebook are Western centric, and some are carried using experiments and quantitative methods. This study was conducted using a case study research approach focusing on the use of Facebook in the 2018 election campaigns in Bhutan. Despite its short political and Internet history, nearly half of Bhutan’s population have Internet connection with majority of them on Facebook. Since the institution of democracy a decade ago, Bhutanese political parties and candidates have followed politicians in modern democracies by adopting social networking sites to campaign. -
Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election
Translation Role of Bhutanese Media in Democracy: Case Study of the 2013 General Election Keywords: Bhutan, Monarchy, Democracy, Information Society, Media Hitoshi FUJIWARA, Waseda University. Abstract The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the Himalayas, closed its doors to foreign countries until the 1960s. After it reopened, Bhutan was a modern state for half a century. In 2008, the King of Bhutan decided to relinquish his power and democratize the country. It was an unprecedented event in history. On the other hand, there was no mass media in this tiny country until the 1990s. In 1999, the King lifted the ban on information technology such as television and the Internet. It was a rare case where television broadcasting and Internet services commenced at the same time. This study illustrates the history of democracy and the media in Bhutan and examines the correlation between them. Before commencing with such an examination, the theoretical stream of the relationship between democracy and the media in modern history should be reviewed. The primary section of this paper comprises field research and analysis regarding the National Assembly election of Bhutan in 2013, as a case study of the practice of democracy. The research questions are as follows: ‘What was the role of Bhutanese media in this election?’; ‘What kind of information led Bhutanese voters to decision making?’ In conclusion, the theoretical model and the Bhutanese practical model of the relationship between the government, media, and citizens are compared. This comparison shows the progress of democracy and the role of the media in modern-day Bhutan. 16 Journal of Socio-Informatics Vol. -
The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016
The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016 Our nation’s vision can only be fulfilled if the scope of our dreams and aspirations are matched by the reality of our commitment to nurturing our future citizens. —His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team A Time to Invest . -
Democratic Transformation in South Asia: Emerging Trends
DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH ASIA: EMERGING TRENDS A Dissertation submitted to the Central University of Punjab For the award of Master of Philosophy In Centre for South and Central Asian Studies By Mudasir Gulam Supervisor Dr. Bawa Singh (Assistant Professor) Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 2014 July DECLARATION I hereby declare that the work embodied in this dissertation entitled “DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH ASIA: EMERGING TRENDS ” has been prepared by me under the guidance of Dr. Bawa Singh, Assistant Professor, Centre for South and Central Asian Studies, School of Global Relations, Central University of Punjab. No part of this dissertation has formed the basis for the award of any degree or fellowship previously. Mudasir Gulam Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab Bathinda -151001. Date: ii CERTIFICATE I certify that the work entitled “DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH ASIA: EMERGING TRENDS” was carried out by Mr. Mudasir Gulam for the award of M.Phil. Degree under my supervision and guidance at the Centre for South & Central Asian Studies, School of Global Relations, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. Dr. Bawa Singh Assistant Professor Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Global Relations Central University of Punjab Bathinda-151001 Date: iii ABSTRACT DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH ASIA: EMERGING TRENDS Name of student: Mudasir Gulam Registration Number: CUPB/MPh-PhD/SGR/SCA/2012-2013/07 Degree for which submitted: Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) Name of supervisor: Assistant Professor Dr. Bawa Singh Centre: Centre for South and Central Asian Studies School of Studies: School of Global Relations Key words Democratic transition, Constituent Assembly, South Asia, Political Parties, Monarchy, Authoritarianism, Military Rule. -
The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review
Health Sy Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 s t ems in T r ansition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (the APO) is a collaborative partnership of interested governments, international agencies, The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review foundations, and researchers that promotes evidence-informed health systems policy regionally and in all countries in the Asia Pacific region. The APO collaboratively identifies priority health system issues across the Asia Pacific region; develops and synthesizes relevant research to support and inform countries' evidence-based policy development; and builds country and regional health systems research and evidence-informed policy capacity. ISBN-13 978 92 9022 584 3 Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review Written by: Sangay Thinley: Ex-Health Secretary, Ex-Director, WHO Pandup Tshering: Director General, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kinzang Wangmo: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Namgay Wangchuk: Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Division, Ministry of Health Tandin Dorji: Chief Programme Officer, Health Care and Diagnostic Division, Ministry of Health Tashi Tobgay: Director, Human Resource and Planning, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Jayendra Sharma: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Edited by: Walaiporn Patcharanarumol: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies i World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. The Kingdom of Bhutan health system review. -
Democracy in Bhutan Is Truly a Result of the Desire, Structural Changes Within the Bhutanese Aspiration and Complete Commitment of the Polity
MARCH 2010 IPCS Research Papers DDeemmooccrraaccyy iinn BBhh uuttaann AAnn AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff CCoonn ssttiittuuttiioonnaall CChhaannggee iinn aa BBuuddddhhiisstt MMoonnaarrcc hhyy Marian Gallenkamp Marian Gallenkamp IInnssttiittuuttee ooff PPeeaaccee aanndd CCoonnfflliicctt SSttuuddiieess NNeeww DDeellhh1 ii,, IINNDDIIAA Copyright 2010, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipcs.org CONTENTS I. Introduction.................................................................................................2 II. Constitutional Change: A Comprehensive Analysis ..................................3 III. Conclusion: Bhutan a Unique Case?...................................................... 16 VI. Bibliography............................................................................................ 19 I. Introduction “Democracy in Bhutan is truly a result of the desire, structural changes within the Bhutanese aspiration and complete commitment of the polity. While the historical analysis might monarchy to the well-being of the people and the appear to be excessive, it nevertheless is an country” important task to fully understand the uniqueness of the developments in Bhutan. (Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Democratic transition does not happen Tobgye, 18 July 2008) overnight; it is usually a long process of successive developments. -
Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan in Elections on Information Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015)
STATISTICAL Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan INFORMATION on Elections in Bhutan (2006-2015) www.election-bhutan.org.bt (2006-2015) Election Commission of Bhutan, Post Box No. 2008, Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: +975-02-334851/334852, Fax: +975-02-334763 Election Statistics (2006-2015) 2006-2015 Election Commi ssion of Bhutan 1 Election Statistics (2006-2015) © Election Commission of Bhutan No part of this book may be reproduced in any form. Anybody wishing to use the name, photo, cover design, part of material or thereof in any form of this book may do so with due permission or acknowledgement of the Election Commission of Bhutan. For any querry : [email protected] 2 Election Statistics (2006-2015) The Statistical Information on Elections in Bhutan 2006-2015 is the first edition of data being published by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). The book provides comprehensive statistical information of all elections that the Election Commission has conducted since its establishment in 2006 to 2015 including the First and Second Parliamentary Elections in 2008 and 2013, Thromde Elections in 2011, three phases of Local Government Elections in 2012 and series of Re-Elections and Bye-Elections for both Parliamentary and Local Government. This publication will enable readers to get reliable information related to voters, voter turnout, election officials, media coverage of elections and other relevant and available information related to elections in Bhutan. The data and information compiled in this book are based on the information collected from the polling stations, Dzongkhag Election Offices, and the ECB Head Office. The book is expected to be a source of information and serve as a data bank for any users wishing to carry out research and studies on matters related to elections in Bhutan. -
Political Highlights Economic Trend 2017 2018 2019* 2020^ 2021^ 2.4
Political Highlights Government type Constitutional monarchy Chief of state King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Head of government Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Elections/appointments The cabinet is nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly. Next election for the National Council (upper council) and National Assembly (lower council) scheduled for 2023. Legal system Civil law Legislative branch Bicameral Parliament (25-seat National Council and 47-seat National Assembly) Major political parties Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa; Druk Phuensum Tshogpa; People's Democratic Party. Economic Trend Economic Indicators 2017 2018 2019* 2020^ 2021^ Nominal GDP (USD bn) 2.4 2.6 2.8 3 3.2 Real GDP growth (%) 6.3 3.7 5.3 2.7 2.9 GDP per capita (USD) 2,938 3,160 3,423 3,533 3,787 Inflation (%) 5.4 2.7 2.6 3.1 3.5 Current account balance (% of GDP) -23.6 -19.5 -23.1 -21.3 -20.2 General government debt (% of GDP) 108 102.4 108.6 105.7 101 * Estimate ^ Forecast Hong Kong Total Exports to Bhutan (HK$ mn) Hong Kong Total Exports to Bhutan Year Bolivia World (World) (Bhutan) 2010 6 3,031,019 4500000 35 2011 5 3,337,253 4000000 2012 10 3,434,346 30 2013 31 3,559,686 3500000 2014 10 3,672,751 25 2015 6 3,605,279 3000000 World 2016 8 3,588,247 2500000 20 2017 21 3,875,898 Bhutan (HK$ (HK$ mn) 2018 11 4,158,106 2000000 15 2019 30 3,988,685 1500000 10 1000000 5 500000 0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Hong Kong Exports to Bhutan by Product Hong Kong Exports to Bhutan by Product (2019) (% share) -
Bhutan Country Report BTI 2018
BTI 2018 Country Report Bhutan This report is part of the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI) 2018. It covers the period from February 1, 2015 to January 31, 2017. The BTI assesses the transformation toward democracy and a market economy as well as the quality of political management in 129 countries. More on the BTI at http://www.bti-project.org. Please cite as follows: Bertelsmann Stiftung, BTI 2018 Country Report — Bhutan. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2018. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Contact Bertelsmann Stiftung Carl-Bertelsmann-Strasse 256 33111 Gütersloh Germany Sabine Donner Phone +49 5241 81 81501 [email protected] Hauke Hartmann Phone +49 5241 81 81389 [email protected] Robert Schwarz Phone +49 5241 81 81402 [email protected] Sabine Steinkamp Phone +49 5241 81 81507 [email protected] BTI 2018 | Bhutan 3 Key Indicators Population M 0.8 HDI 0.607 GDP p.c., PPP $ 8744 Pop. growth1 % p.a. 1.3 HDI rank of 188 132 Gini Index 38.8 Life expectancy years 69.8 UN Education Index 0.504 Poverty3 % 14.5 Urban population % 39.4 Gender inequality2 0.477 Aid per capita $ 123.5 Sources (as of October 2017): The World Bank, World Development Indicators 2017 | UNDP, Human Development Report 2016. Footnotes: (1) Average annual growth rate. (2) Gender Inequality Index (GII). (3) Percentage of population living on less than $3.20 a day at 2011 international prices. Executive Summary The second national democratic election went smoothly in 2013 and confirmed Bhutan’s growing familiarity with and acceptance of democracy. -
BUTÁN FICHA TÉCNICA -Actualizada Al 16 De Abril De 2020
BUTÁN FICHA TÉCNICA -Actualizada al 16 de abril de 2020- Nombre oficial: Reino de Bután. Capital: Timbu. Día Nacional: 17 de diciembre. Se celebra la coronación de Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck como primer rey heredero de Bután, en Punakha Dzong, en 1907. Población: 782,318 habitantes. Superficie Total: 38,394 Km². Límites territoriales: limita al norte Indicadores Sociales (2020) con la República Popular China, al este, al sur y al oeste con la India. • Esperanza de vida: 72.1 años. • Tasa de natalidad: 16.3 División administrativa: Se encuentra nacimientos/1,000 habitantes. organizado en 20 distritos. • Tasa de mortalidad: 6.3 muertes/ 1,000 habitantes. Idioma: dzongkha. Religión: budismo (74.7%), hinduismo (22.6%) y otros (2.7%). Moneda: ngultrum butanés. Fuente: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación de España, CIA Factbook “Bhutan”, y Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores. Guía del viajero. ESTRUCTURA DEL SISTEMA POLÍTICO Forma de Estado: es una Monarquía Constitucional Democrática. Poder Ejecutivo: El Jefe de Estado es el rey Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (desde diciembre de 2006). El primer ministro es Lotay Tshering (desde el 7 de noviembre de 2018). Poder Legislativo: está constituido por un Consejo Nacional integrado por 25 miembros, de los cuales 20 son elegidos de forma directa y 5 por el rey, ejercen su cargo por un periodo de cinco años. Su presidente es Tashi Dorji.1 La Asamblea Nacional está conformada por 47 miembros elegidos de forma directa, que ejercen su cargo por cinco años. Su presidente es Jigme Zangpo.2 Composición actual del Consejo Nacional Total 25 Mujeres 4 (16.00%) Hombres 21 (84%) Total 25 (100%) Fuente: elaboración propia con información de la página oficial del Consejo Nacional de Bután y la Unión Interparlamentaria. -
Bhutan Final Report National Assembly Elections 24 March 2008
BHUTAN FINAL REPORT National Assembly Elections, 24 March 2008 21 May 2008 EUROPEAN UNION ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION This report was produced by the EU Election Observation Mission and presents the EU EOM’s findings on the 24 March 2008 National Assembly elections in Bhutan. These views have not been adopted or in any way approved by the European Commission and should not be relied upon as a statement of the Commission. The European Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this report, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof. EU Election Observation Mission, Bhutan 2008 Final Report Final Report on the National Assembly Elections – 24 March 2008 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................. 3 II. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 6 III. POLITICAL BACKGROUND...................................................................................... 6 A: Political Context........................................................................................................ 6 B: Key Political Actors................................................................................................... 7 IV. IV. LEGAL ISSUES........................................................................................................ 7 A: Legal Framework...................................................................................................... -
Nepal, Bhutan and Their Neighbours Two Himalayan Countries Landlocked Between India and China
BRIEFING Nepal, Bhutan and their neighbours Two Himalayan countries landlocked between India and China SUMMARY Nepal and Bhutan are two poor landlocked Himalayan countries, sandwiched between a democracy and an authoritarian one-party state: India and China. After an authoritarian past, during the last decade, they have begun reforms in order to switch towards a democratic model. After a long and complicated path, Nepal succeeded in adopting a new constitution in 2015. Its first post-constitution government is run by an alliance of communist parties. In Bhutan, the king has successfully steered the country towards democratisation, as confirmed by the October 2018 general elections. While historically the two countries have nurtured solid relations with India, in recent years Beijing has expanded its footprint in the region considerably, challenging Delhi's traditional sphere of influence and increasing its sense of encirclement. In 2017 this led to a crisis referred to as the 'Doklam Plateau standoff'. There is currently a window of opportunity for Nepal and Bhutan to diversify their economic and security partnership and to rebalance their foreign policies between their two big neighbours. The EU has been supporting the two countries on their democratic journey and tripled resources for both countries' development for the 2014-2020 period. As they are among the world's poorest countries, Nepal and Bhutan benefit from the EU's 'Everything But Arms' scheme, which grants full duty free and quota free access to the EU single market for all