One small step for Bhutan

Democracy comes one small step closer in Bhutan on Monday as the first elections take place for a lower house.

Clad in the obligatory national costume, thousands are expected to vote, although turnout at an earlier mock poll fell under 30% and there are only two parties contesting, both of which are subject to investigation by the Election Commission.

A first constitution in 2004 set out plans for the elections, part of a process of reform ushered in by former King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who abdicated in December 2006 in favour of his son. It is only within the last four decades that the tiny Himalayan state has engaged with the outside world and these elections, following polls for an upper house in December, are the latest indication that it is determined to forge ahead with change.

Yet many in Bhutan are anxious about the advent of democracy. They revere their royals and are fiercely protective of their culture; they have seen that the vote has been accompanied with violence in neighbouring Nepal. A series of violent incidents, including bombings, augurs ill for stability and ethnic relations -- Maoist-influenced Nepali Bhutanese groups may be on the look-out for further opportunities to disrupt the political flow.