For the first time in the history of Bhutan, apart from the hierarchical ruling of the rulers, Bhutan held its first general election for the National Assembly on March 24, 2008.
Only Two parties have been registered by the Election Commission of Bhutan to contest the election: the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (DPT, for Druk Phuensum Tshogpa), which formed by the merger of the previously established Bhutan People’s United Party and All People’s Party which is led by the former prime minister Jigme Y. Thinley, and the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).
The elections for the 47 seats of the National Assembly were planned to be held in two rounds: In the first round, voters would have voted for a party. The two parties with the largest share of the national vote would then have been able to field candidates in the 47 constituencies.
However, as only two parties successfully registered for the election, the election was held in one round.
Turnout reached nearly 80% by the time the polls closed, and the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party reportedly won 44 seats, with the People’s Democratic Party winning only three seats (Phuentsholing in Chhukha, Goenkhatoe-Laya in Gasa and Sombeykha in Haa).
The PDP’s leader, Sangay Ngedup, who is also the ruling king’s uncle, lost his own constituency by 380 votes.
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