In Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay secured his second term as Prime Minister after his party clinched nearly two-thirds of the seats, as per results announced by the election commission on January 10.
The election revolved around significant economic challenges that have prompted a reevaluation of Bhutan’s longstanding commitment to prioritizing “Gross National Happiness” over economic growth. The Himalayan kingdom, situated between China and India, attracted keen interest from both countries, given their strategic concerns in contested border areas.
Tobgay, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and former prime minister from 2013 to 2018, secured 30 out of 47 seats in the recent election. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a crucial trading partner for Bhutan, extended his “heartiest congratulations” to Tobgay through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Expressing his commitment to enhancing ties with India, including the development of rail links, Tobgay thanked Modi and expressed eagerness to collaborate closely in strengthening the unique bonds of friendship and cooperation between their nations.
Bhutan, a landlocked nation with a population of about 800,000, shares similarities in size with Switzerland.
‘Very high unemployment’
The 58-year-old, a former civil servant, is an ardent advocate for conservation with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in public administration from Harvard.
Mr. Tobgay previously served as the leader of the Opposition in Bhutan’s inaugural parliament, established in 2008 during the early years of the current king’s reign.
The foremost concern for many voters was the challenges faced by Bhutan’s younger generation, marked by persistent youth unemployment and a significant brain drain. According to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate is 29%, and economic growth has averaged only 1.7% over the past five years.
During the campaign, Mr. Tobgay raised awareness about Bhutan’s “unprecedented economic challenges and mass exodus.” However, he remains dedicated to the constitutional principle of a government that gauges its success based on the “happiness and well-being of the people.”
Residents of the capital, Thimphu, expressed their hopes that the new government would fulfill its election promises. Vishal Rai, a 47-year-old Bhutanese journalist, remarked on the high unemployment rate and poor economic state, expecting the government to initiate measures to stimulate the economy.
Record numbers of young citizens seeking improved financial and educational opportunities abroad have left since the last elections, with Australia being the preferred destination.
A 55-year-old housewife, Dechen Wangmo, expressed her hope that the winning party would serve wholeheartedly and lead the country to prosperity, particularly benefiting the underprivileged.
