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Bhutan took an unprecedented step in March 2005, when then King Jigme Singye Wangchuk called for a transition from absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy. To assist Bhutan’s young democracy, IRI provides assistance to help sustain and strengthen democratic institutions, helping the people of Bhutan create a richer and more durable representative government.
Download Summary (PDF)
Bhutan took an unprecedented step in March 2005, when then King Jigme Singye Wangchuk called for a transition from absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy. To assist Bhutan’s young democracy, IRI provides assistance to help sustain and strengthen democratic institutions, helping the people of Bhutan create a richer and more durable representative government.
Strengthening Political Parties
To help Bhutan’s newly formed political parties become more effectively engaged in the democratic process, IRI offers programs on platform development, the role of the political parties between election cycles and the use of public opinion research in identifying voter priorities.
Developing an Independent Media
Bhutan’s media sector was established in 1986, with the first state-run newspaper and in 2012 consisted of 12 newspapers, seven radio stations and one television station. In order to support a more dynamic and engaged media, IRI works directly with journalists and media organizations to strengthen professional investigative journalism and reporting on elections.
Supporting Women’s Leadership Networks
Through a Women’s Leadership School, IRI and the Women’s Democracy Network work with women to strengthen their leadership skills, increase their participation in the democratic process, enhance their public communication skills and establish networks with other women. By supporting these networks, women of Bhutan are able to build relationships to advocate for change on important issues.
