King Says 2008 To Be Unique Year For Bhutan

Press Trust of India
THIMPU, June 10: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar has said 2008 will be a unique year for the tiny Himalayan nation as it will commemorate 100 years of monarchy as well as herald the birth of democracy.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 87th session of the National Assembly here, the King said the historic transition to democracy is something all Bhutanese must take great pride in.
“It is an unprecedented and unique achievement in the world that the King (Jigme Singye Wangchuk) has, through his efforts over 34 years, laid such strong foundations for democracy,” he said.
“It is also the direct result of the dedication and commitment of the people and the government.
“2008 should be a historic year to pay tribute to the outgoing King, commemorate 100 years of the monarchy and celebrate the birth of democracy,” he said.
Asking every citizen to play his or her part in the coming elections, he encouraged all those who had the skills, experience and desire to serve the country as politicians, to come forward.
He said democracy was not about going from election to election, but a way of life.
“The spirit of democracy must be a part of one’s life at home with one’s family, in the community, at work and in the government.” Jigme Khesar said he wants his coronation next year to be a low-key affair.
“The blessings, faith and confidence of the people of Bhutan are most important to me as king. Rather than a grand formal coronation like in other parts of the world, I would be most content to travel throughout 2008 to be with the people of the 20 dzongkhags (districts),” he said.

The Statesman, India