| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| BhutanÂ’s king hands over power to son |
| 2006-12-17 |
| GUWAHATI, India - The king of Bhutan has abdicated in favour of his son, the state-run Kuensel newspaper said Saturday, as the remote Himalayan kingdom moves toward a constitutional monarchy. In a statement posted on its website, it said King Jigme Singye Wangchuck “has handed over his responsibilities as the monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo.” “The time has now come for me to hand over my responsibilities to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,” he was quoted as saying. King Wangchuck announced in December 2005 that he would abdicate in 2008, when Bhutan is due to hold its first elections and opt for a constitutional monarchy. Indian news reports said the king had decided to step down to allow the crown prince political exposure before the promised transition diminished his royal role. It was not immediately clear when the new king would be crowned. The 51-year-old king had ruled Bhutan since ascending the throne in 1972 at the age of 17. “The best time to change a political system is when the country enjoys stability and peace,” the king had said in 2005 when he announced his plans to abdicate. “Why wait for a revolution? Why crown an heir only when the nation is in mourning for a late king?” Pops sounds like a wise old man ... Although the Bhutanese were surprised by the king’s 2005 announcement, they hold the Oxford-educated crown prince in equally high esteem, reports say. The eldest of the king’s five sons and five daughters, he won his official recognition as prince on October 21, 2004. The transition began five years ago when the king handed over the powers of daily government to a council of ministers. Bhutan, nestled between Asian giants India and China, in 2005 unveiled a 34-point constitution which was sent to 530,000 citizens for their views. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 "Wangchuck?" Nah, too easy. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2006-12-17 10:24 |