South Asia’s fledgling democracy
Bhutan PM’s remarks about seeking king’s guidance criticised as sign of lack of trust in government’s abilities.
Jigme Thinley, the prime minister of Bhutan, has told Al Jazeera that his people will seek guidance from the country’s king, who will be asked to intervene if the fledgling democracy encounters any major governing problems.
Thinley’s statement has been criticised by Tshering Tobgay, an opposition leader, who says it reflects a lack of trust and confidence in the government’s capabilities.
Part of the reason Bhutan’s democratic system is thought to be at an experimental stage is because between 2008 and 2011, 45 seats in parliament were won by the ruling Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party, while only two went to the opposition People’s Democratic Party.
Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett reports from Chunju.