The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, emerged victorious in country's parliamentary elections held on Tuesday, securing 30 out of the 47 National Assembly seats, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported citing the Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Consequently, the PDP will return to governance, while the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) claimed the remaining 17 seats.
Congratulating former Bhutan Prime Minister for his recent victory, PM Modi on X said: "Heartiest congratulations to my friend Tshering Tobgay and the People’s Democratic Party for winning the parliamentary elections in Bhutan. Look forward to working together again to further strengthen our unique ties of friendship and cooperation".
This marks the fourth general election in Bhutan since transitioning from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy in 2008. According to the AP report, the Election Commission of Bhutan is scheduled to release its final results on Wednesday.
The electoral contest primarily featured candidates from the PDP, led by former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and the BTP, helmed by ex-civil servant Pema Chewang. The primary round of voting in November saw the elimination of three other parties, including the incumbent Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party.
Situated between China and India, Bhutan's strategic location has attracted the attention of both neighbouring countries, each striving for influence in this landlocked nation of approximately 800,000 inhabitants.
Economic concerns took centre stage during the election campaigns, given Bhutan's modest economic growth rate of 1.7% over the past five years, as reported by the World Bank. the AP report highlighted that the persistent unemployment has contributed to a significant emigration of young Bhutanese seeking educational and employment opportunities abroad, thereby challenging the nation's economic prospects.
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Addressing these economic challenges, King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck unveiled plans in December for a zero-carbon megacity in Gelephu, a town bordering the northeastern Indian state of Assam. According to the report, the proposed development aims to attract foreign investment and will be constructed in a designated zone within Bhutan, featuring investment-friendly regulations. King Wangchuck emphasised that the project would respect Bhutanese cultural values and harmonise with the Himalayan ecosystem, following discussions with prominent Indian business leaders expected to contribute to the initiative.