The way parliamentary democracy was introduced in Bhutan is unprecedented in the history. It did not come about through demands of the population. It was thrust on to the people from the Throne by a beloved Monarch who believed that Parliamentary Democracy was the best form of governance for Bhutan even though Monarchy has ensured not only Bhutan’s survival as an independent nation through tumultuous global events but its flourishment as a peaceful and progressive country.
In this talk at the National University of Singapore, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan recounts the country’s transition from Monarchy to Parliamentary Democracy; the visionary leadership of the Great Fourth King of Bhutan who initiated the decentralization and democratization processes that ultimately led to the introduction of Parliamentary Democracy in Bhutan in 2008; the leadership of His Majesty the Fifth King of Bhutan in ensuring the success of democracy in Bhutan; and, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s own journey in the public life. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay left a senior position in the civil service to heed the call to public life amidst great reluctance of the general population to take part in the democratic process. He led a two-member strong opposition in Bhutan’s parliament after the first elections in Bhutan. As the Prime Minister, he now leads the country’s second democratically elected government.