Bhutan's voters on Thursday gave an overwhelming victory to a new party headed by a surgeon in only the third democratic election held by the Himalayan kingdom, according to provisional results.

The country of 800,000 people, wedged between giant neighbours China and India and known for its Gross National Happiness index, has now chosen a different party to rule at each election since the end of absolute monarchy in 2008.&nbsp;

The centre-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), which was only formed in 2013, won 30 of the 47 national assembly seats, according to the provisional results released by Bhutan's election commision. Official results are expected to be announced soon.

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) secured the other 17 seats in the runoff contest limited to the two parties who led a first round of voting in September. The last ruling party was excluded in the contest.

DNT leader Lotay Tshering, a 50-year-old urology surgeon who trained in Bangladesh and Australia, vowed to work for "nation building" in the country which is battling high foreign debt, mainly owed to India, as well as youth employment, rural poverty and criminal gangs.

Both parties had vowed to boost the economy with Tshering's party using the slogan "Narrowing The Gap".

The election saw a 70 per cent turnout and record 11 women win seats.

The DPT, which won Bhutan's first election in 2008 but did not get a seat in the 2013 vote, had wanted to accelerate the building of hydropower plants which dominate the economy, with electricity mainly exported to India.&nbsp;

The DNT has been more wary about increasing Bhutan's debt to pay for more power plants.

New friends needed

Hydropower financing -- which comes to more than $1.5 billion -- accounts for more than 80 per cent of Bhutan's foreign debt. Most is owed to India, which has financed four out of five of the kingdom's new hydro-electric projects.

Bhutan has tried to shield itself from the downsides of globalisation, striving for "Gross National Happiness" over GDP growth, maintaining a carbon-negative economy and keeping tourist numbers down with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season.

While Bhutan is proud of its cultural and political independence and has diplomatic relations with barely 50 countries, it knows it will have to open up.

Foreign policy was kept out of the election campaign, however. During the 2013 campaign, fearing that Bhutan was moving too close to China, India withdrew subsidies for kerosene and cooking gas imports, in what was seen as an attempt to coerce a change of government.

Relations with India remain sensitive. At least five candidates and activists were fined up to two month's wages for sending instant messenger statements to groups on relations with India, the Bhutan election commission said.

Last year India and China became embroiled in a military standoff over the Doklam plateau claimed by China and Bhutan, and which sits on a strategic corner where the three countries meet.

India, which has a military presence in Bhutan, stepped in to prevent Chinese border guards from building a road there.&nbsp;

Even though Bhutan does not have diplomatic ties with Beijing, its giant neighbour is the third biggest source of imported goods and wealthy Chinese tourists are a valuable new source of income.

A growing number of Bhutanese feel the country should rely less on India and give China and others a chance to boost the economy and create new jobs. "Bhutan should make friends with other countries," said taxi driver Kinzang Dorji.

Bhutan's voters on Thursday gave an overwhelming victory to a new party headed by a surgeon in only the third democratic election held by the Himalayan kingdom, according to provisional results.

Bhutan's voters on Thursday gave an overwhelming victory to a new party headed by a surgeon in only the third democratic election held by the Himalayan kingdom, according to provisional results. The country of 800,000 people, wedged between giant neighbours China and India and known for its Gross National Happiness index, has now chosen a different party to rule at each election since the end of absolute monarchy in 2008. The centre-left Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), which was only formed in 2013, won 30 of the 47 national assembly seats, according to the provisional results released by Bhutan's election commision. Official results are expected to be announced soon. Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) secured the other 17 seats in the runoff contest limited to the two parties who led a first round of voting in September. The last ruling party was excluded in the contest. DNT leader Lotay Tshering, a 50-year-old urology surgeon who trained in Bangladesh and Australia, vowed to work for "nation building" in the country which is battling high foreign debt, mainly owed to India, as well as youth employment, rural poverty and criminal gangs. Both parties had vowed to boost the economy with Tshering's party using the slogan "Narrowing The Gap". The election saw a 70 per cent turnout and record 11 women win seats. The DPT, which won Bhutan's first election in 2008 but did not get a seat in the 2013 vote, had wanted to accelerate the building of hydropower plants which dominate the economy, with electricity mainly exported to India. The DNT has been more wary about increasing Bhutan's debt to pay for more power plants. New friends needed Hydropower financing -- which comes to more than $1.5 billion -- accounts for more than 80 per cent of Bhutan's foreign debt. Most is owed to India, which has financed four out of five of the kingdom's new hydro-electric projects. Bhutan has tried to shield itself from the downsides of globalisation, striving for "Gross National Happiness" over GDP growth, maintaining a carbon-negative economy and keeping tourist numbers down with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season. While Bhutan is proud of its cultural and political independence and has diplomatic relations with barely 50 countries, it knows it will have to open up. Foreign policy was kept out of the election campaign, however. During the 2013 campaign, fearing that Bhutan was moving too close to China, India withdrew subsidies for kerosene and cooking gas imports, in what was seen as an attempt to coerce a change of government. Relations with India remain sensitive. At least five candidates and activists were fined up to two month's wages for sending instant messenger statements to groups on relations with India, the Bhutan election commission said. Last year India and China became embroiled in a military standoff over the Doklam plateau claimed by China and Bhutan, and which sits on a strategic corner where the three countries meet. India, which has a military presence in Bhutan, stepped in to prevent Chinese border guards from building a road there. Even though Bhutan does not have diplomatic ties with Beijing, its giant neighbour is the third biggest source of imported goods and wealthy Chinese tourists are a valuable new source of income. A growing number of Bhutanese feel the country should rely less on India and give China and others a chance to boost the economy and create new jobs. "Bhutan should make friends with other countries," said taxi driver Kinzang Dorji.

Bhutan chooses new party to form government

A peep into a Thimphu toy shop shows stacks of Pokemons, all made in China, a testimony to the quiet overtures Beijing is making in Bhutan at rival India's expense.

China's annexation of Tibet in 1951 and an unresolved border dispute have long been irritants in ties with Bhutan, and India would prefer they remain estranged.

India jumped to Bhutan's defence last year when Chinese troops started building a road on Doklam, a territory claimed by both China and Bhutan. &nbsp;

The eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation lasted 72 days before the Indian and Chinese armies pulled back.

But now Beijing is seeking to mend relations and extend a hand of friendship to the tiny Himalayan kingdom, despite the two having no diplomatic relations.

Chinese shipments have shot up in the past decade, with goods from machinery and cement to electricals and toys making Beijing the third largest source of foreign products to heavily import-dependent Bhutan.

And stuck between the competing regional powers, Bhutan has been gasping to assert its sovereignty and shrug off decades of heavy dependence on India.

Many among Bhutan's 800,000 population feel India's embrace is becoming a stranglehold and getting in the way of Thimpu's ties with other countries.

"Within Bhutan, there is a growing demand to diversify and loosen its dependence on India," University of British Columbia historian Tsering Shakya said.

"However, given the geography and history it is not easy for Bhutan to ignore India's interest."&nbsp;

Nestled in the highest, snow-capped mountain range in the world, Bhutan is one of the world's few countries to have never been colonised, and has retained much of its unique culture and charm.

The country's fourth king famously introduced the concept of gross national happiness in the 1970s, shunning the usual gross domestic product used by most modern countries to measure economic growth.&nbsp;

'Jealous big brother'

Bhutan was almost as isolated as the mythical Shangri-La until the early 1960s when its first highway was built.

But it has become increasingly dependent on neighbours, as shown in 2013 when India was accused of triggering a fuel crisis by cutting subsidies on cooking gas and kerosene -- which some say was a punishment to Bhutan for warming up to the Chinese.

"If we (India and Bhutan) are good friends, our friendship shouldn't be affected by our relations with other countries," said Vimla Pradhan, a 21-year-old college student.

"It appears as if everything Bhutan does, it should have tacit approval from India. India will always come before others but please don't behave like a jealous big brother," she told AFP in Thimpu.

Pradhan, who studies political science and philosophy, is not isolated in her views.

Many aspiring Bhutanese are restless for new opportunities at a time when youth unemployment is 10.6 percent against the national average of 2.4 percent.

India has been generous with loans and grants but Bhutan could do with more investment, and China has deep pockets.

"Where are the jobs? Look at any nook and corner and you will find young men hanging around aimlessly," said Karma Choden, a mother of two, as she waited for customers at a roadside stall selling dry cheese and red chillies.

Bhutan, a growing economy which has been trying to shed its tag as one of the world's least developed countries, is struggling to reduce unemployment as it gears up for only its third ever election on Thursday.

The ruling party was knocked out in the first round of polling in mid-September, signalling the electorate's desperation for change. &nbsp;

Rich dividends

China's policy of mixing soft diplomacy and economic aid has reaped rich dividends in South Asian countries where India has long held sway like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

China has been reaching out to Bhutan through sports, religious and cultural visits as well as scholarships to Bhutanese students.

Its vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou made a rare trip to Bhutan in July.

Bhutan has also been receiving a growing number of Chinese tourists, who have to pay a sizeable visa fee, unlike their Indian counterparts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Bhutan surged from fewer than 20 a decade ago to 6,421 in 2017, according to official figures.&nbsp;

Taxi driver Kinzang Dorji is unable to make much sense of Bhutan's diplomacy and history. But he understands the value of foreign investment.

"Bhutan should make friends with other countries," Dorji said. &nbsp;

"Many Chinese tourists have started coming and they are bringing in a lot of money. We don't mind them at all," he said before zooming past a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Thimphu. 
&nbsp;

A peep into a Thimphu toy shop shows stacks of Pokemons, all made in China, a testimony to the quiet overtures Beijing is making in Bhutan at rival India's expense.

A peep into a Thimphu toy shop shows stacks of Pokemons, all made in China, a testimony to the quiet overtures Beijing is making in Bhutan at rival India's expense. China's annexation of Tibet in 1951 and an unresolved border dispute have long been irritants in ties with Bhutan, and India would prefer they remain estranged. India jumped to Bhutan's defence last year when Chinese troops started building a road on Doklam, a territory claimed by both China and Bhutan. The eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation lasted 72 days before the Indian and Chinese armies pulled back. But now Beijing is seeking to mend relations and extend a hand of friendship to the tiny Himalayan kingdom, despite the two having no diplomatic relations. Chinese shipments have shot up in the past decade, with goods from machinery and cement to electricals and toys making Beijing the third largest source of foreign products to heavily import-dependent Bhutan. And stuck between the competing regional powers, Bhutan has been gasping to assert its sovereignty and shrug off decades of heavy dependence on India. Many among Bhutan's 800,000 population feel India's embrace is becoming a stranglehold and getting in the way of Thimpu's ties with other countries. "Within Bhutan, there is a growing demand to diversify and loosen its dependence on India," University of British Columbia historian Tsering Shakya said. "However, given the geography and history it is not easy for Bhutan to ignore India's interest." Nestled in the highest, snow-capped mountain range in the world, Bhutan is one of the world's few countries to have never been colonised, and has retained much of its unique culture and charm. The country's fourth king famously introduced the concept of gross national happiness in the 1970s, shunning the usual gross domestic product used by most modern countries to measure economic growth. 'Jealous big brother' Bhutan was almost as isolated as the mythical Shangri-La until the early 1960s when its first highway was built. But it has become increasingly dependent on neighbours, as shown in 2013 when India was accused of triggering a fuel crisis by cutting subsidies on cooking gas and kerosene -- which some say was a punishment to Bhutan for warming up to the Chinese. "If we (India and Bhutan) are good friends, our friendship shouldn't be affected by our relations with other countries," said Vimla Pradhan, a 21-year-old college student. "It appears as if everything Bhutan does, it should have tacit approval from India. India will always come before others but please don't behave like a jealous big brother," she told AFP in Thimpu. Pradhan, who studies political science and philosophy, is not isolated in her views. Many aspiring Bhutanese are restless for new opportunities at a time when youth unemployment is 10.6 percent against the national average of 2.4 percent. India has been generous with loans and grants but Bhutan could do with more investment, and China has deep pockets. "Where are the jobs? Look at any nook and corner and you will find young men hanging around aimlessly," said Karma Choden, a mother of two, as she waited for customers at a roadside stall selling dry cheese and red chillies. Bhutan, a growing economy which has been trying to shed its tag as one of the world's least developed countries, is struggling to reduce unemployment as it gears up for only its third ever election on Thursday. The ruling party was knocked out in the first round of polling in mid-September, signalling the electorate's desperation for change. Rich dividends China's policy of mixing soft diplomacy and economic aid has reaped rich dividends in South Asian countries where India has long held sway like Sri Lanka and the Maldives. China has been reaching out to Bhutan through sports, religious and cultural visits as well as scholarships to Bhutanese students. Its vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou made a rare trip to Bhutan in July. Bhutan has also been receiving a growing number of Chinese tourists, who have to pay a sizeable visa fee, unlike their Indian counterparts. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Bhutan surged from fewer than 20 a decade ago to 6,421 in 2017, according to official figures. Taxi driver Kinzang Dorji is unable to make much sense of Bhutan's diplomacy and history. But he understands the value of foreign investment. "Bhutan should make friends with other countries," Dorji said. "Many Chinese tourists have started coming and they are bringing in a lot of money. We don't mind them at all," he said before zooming past a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Thimphu.

Bhutan polls: China woos Himalayan kingdom, to India's displeasure

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, wedged between India and China, voted in a national election Thursday guaranteed to usher in a new ruling party which must boost the economy without compromising the country's fierce independent streak.

The country of 800,000 people, famed for its Gross National Happiness index, is holding only its third democratic election since the ending of the absolute monarchy in 2008.

The capital's streets were mainly empty as authorities declared a holiday for the election. Many voters looked forward to seeing a new government tackling problems including Bhutan's large foreign debt, mainly owed to India.

"We expect a new broom to sweep well," said engineer Gopal Chettri after voting in the capital Thimphu. "It is a country with a limited budget so what can you say. Whatever party wins has to cope with it."

Results of the runoff vote -- to be announced Friday -- could see a government formed by a party only registered in 2013.&nbsp;

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) narrowly led the first round of voting on September 15 with 92,722 votes, just ahead of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), which won Bhutan's first election in 2008, on 90,020.

Harvard-educated prime minister Tshering Tobgay conceded defeat after his ruling party slumped to third place.

The rivals have vowed to bolster the economy and health system and improve government transparency. Corruption, rural poverty, youth unemployment and criminal gangs are all problems for the "Land of the Thunder Dragon."

The key will be making money from the country's hydro-electric power, which is mainly exported to India. The DPT wants more hydro-power construction while the DNT is more wary of increasing Bhutan's foreign debt.

Hydropower financing -- which comes to more than $1.5 billion -- accounts for more than 80 per cent of Bhutan's foreign debt. Most is owed to India, which has financed four out of five of the kingdom's new hydro-electric projects.

Outside influence

Bhutan has tried to shield itself from the downsides of globalisation, striving for "Gross National Happiness" over GDP growth, maintaining a carbon-negative economy and keeping tourist numbers down with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season.

While Bhutan is proud of its cultural and political independence and has diplomatic relations with barely 50 countries, it knows it will have to open up.

Foreign policy is kept out of the election campaign however even though during the 2013 campaign -- fearing that Bhutan was moving too close to China -- India withdrew subsidies for kerosene and cooking gas imports, in what was seen as an attempt to coerce a change of government.

Relations with India remain sensitive. At least five candidates and activists were fined up to two month's wages for sending instant messenger statements to groups on relations with India, the Bhutan election commission said.

Last year India and China became embroiled in a military standoff over the Doklam plateau claimed by China and Bhutan, and which sits on a strategic corner where the three countries meet.

India, which has a military presence in Bhutan, stepped in to prevent Chinese border guards from building a road there.&nbsp;

Even though Bhutan does not have diplomatic ties with China, its giant neighbour is the third biggest source of imported goods and wealthy Chinese tourists are a valuable new source of income.

Many in Bhutan feel the country should rely less on India and give China and others a chance to help boost the economy and create new jobs. "Bhutan should make friends with other countries," said taxi driver Kinzang Dorji.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, wedged between India and China, voted in a national election Thursday guaranteed to usher in a new ruling party which must boost the economy without compromising the country's fierce independent streak.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, wedged between India and China, voted in a national election Thursday guaranteed to usher in a new ruling party which must boost the economy without compromising the country's fierce independent streak. The country of 800,000 people, famed for its Gross National Happiness index, is holding only its third democratic election since the ending of the absolute monarchy in 2008. The capital's streets were mainly empty as authorities declared a holiday for the election. Many voters looked forward to seeing a new government tackling problems including Bhutan's large foreign debt, mainly owed to India. "We expect a new broom to sweep well," said engineer Gopal Chettri after voting in the capital Thimphu. "It is a country with a limited budget so what can you say. Whatever party wins has to cope with it." Results of the runoff vote -- to be announced Friday -- could see a government formed by a party only registered in 2013. Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) narrowly led the first round of voting on September 15 with 92,722 votes, just ahead of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), which won Bhutan's first election in 2008, on 90,020. Harvard-educated prime minister Tshering Tobgay conceded defeat after his ruling party slumped to third place. The rivals have vowed to bolster the economy and health system and improve government transparency. Corruption, rural poverty, youth unemployment and criminal gangs are all problems for the "Land of the Thunder Dragon." The key will be making money from the country's hydro-electric power, which is mainly exported to India. The DPT wants more hydro-power construction while the DNT is more wary of increasing Bhutan's foreign debt. Hydropower financing -- which comes to more than $1.5 billion -- accounts for more than 80 per cent of Bhutan's foreign debt. Most is owed to India, which has financed four out of five of the kingdom's new hydro-electric projects. Outside influence Bhutan has tried to shield itself from the downsides of globalisation, striving for "Gross National Happiness" over GDP growth, maintaining a carbon-negative economy and keeping tourist numbers down with a daily fee of $250 per visitor in high season. While Bhutan is proud of its cultural and political independence and has diplomatic relations with barely 50 countries, it knows it will have to open up. Foreign policy is kept out of the election campaign however even though during the 2013 campaign -- fearing that Bhutan was moving too close to China -- India withdrew subsidies for kerosene and cooking gas imports, in what was seen as an attempt to coerce a change of government. Relations with India remain sensitive. At least five candidates and activists were fined up to two month's wages for sending instant messenger statements to groups on relations with India, the Bhutan election commission said. Last year India and China became embroiled in a military standoff over the Doklam plateau claimed by China and Bhutan, and which sits on a strategic corner where the three countries meet. India, which has a military presence in Bhutan, stepped in to prevent Chinese border guards from building a road there. Even though Bhutan does not have diplomatic ties with China, its giant neighbour is the third biggest source of imported goods and wealthy Chinese tourists are a valuable new source of income. Many in Bhutan feel the country should rely less on India and give China and others a chance to help boost the economy and create new jobs. "Bhutan should make friends with other countries," said taxi driver Kinzang Dorji.

Bhutan polls: Voters seek happiness in new government

bhutan-polls

Bhutan Polls, News on Bhutan Polls, stories on Bhutan Polls, articles on Bhutan Polls, Bhutan Polls stories at Wion, Bhutan Polls news, Bhutan Polls latest news

bhutan polls

Bhutan chooses new party to form government

Bhutan polls: China woos Himalayan kingdom, to India's displeasure

Bhutan polls: Voters seek happiness in new government