It is 2030 and monarchy has become history in this great nation of Druk Yul. People have risen up to be heard, and in doing so reminded the world, once more, that the people’s movement is still the biggest catalyst for change. It has been a long time coming eighty-three years since the Indian independence and much longer since the inception of the Kingdom of Bhutan. But the true nature of the strength of people’s democracy cannot be discredited as being untimely. It is still worth praising for being one of the nascent democracies in the world. And this is what we can imagine of the fate of democracy in the future years for a country like Bhutan.
It is necessary to note that, despite its leaders’ self-proclaimed axiom, Bhutan is not a democracy yet. The one that is in place clearly lacks most of the fundamental elements necessary to make a matured rule of people, including but not limited to an independent judiciary, transparent elections, and freedom of press. As such, the pioneers of the immature democracy should be as worried about their bleak futures as satisfied they are in their ability to falsify the concept of the “gross national happiness”. Because as Barrington Moore puts it, the biggest challenge for an aristocrat starts when it starts liberalizing. Bhutan has undoubtedly entered this phase and with it, a movement or two of the masses to deliver a change looks inevitable.
This change certainly hasn’t come yet – and might as well take years. In the eyes of thousands, and with the passage of time, it has looked all distant and remote, frustrating and dry, unattainable and even impossible. To many people, the concept of a dignity of life, security of the future, and a moment of freedom and joy has all been true in the dreams. Experts have wondered if democracy is just too unachievable of a concept in that nation where the government puts its chimerical happiness on top of development plans. But a closer look at what’s happening inside Bhutan suggests otherwise. It suggests a revolution in the making. A democracy in the budding. Freedom in its early stage. Not necessarily masterminded by the leaders’ charisma and good will, of course. But thanks to their imprudence, the rule of law might just be entering, unnoticeably.
With the decision to vacate the throne to his son, Jigme Singye Wangchuck did not only abdicate his greed for power but also, unintentionally – and I repeat unintentionally – set a tone for a generational rise to an egalitarian civilization inside Bhutan. This is all happening in that great nation because a young and immature democracy tends to make mistakes. The government did so when it enacted – and later modified- the Tobacco Act. This act was simply unnecessary partly because it questioned the peoples’ freedom to choose, but more so because there were heck a lot of other urgent issues the government should have taken care of, like the predicted rupee crisis of which the people are paying the price for their government’s nonchalance. This is not a good cause for the government because if this kind of awkwardness continues, too sooner than expected, the ruled will start questioning the legitimacy, necessity and competency of their rulers.
I follow Bhutan quite closely. Be it through its leader’ blogs or the noise of the online news media, the message I come across is rather cold. Bhutan has already failed to address its problem with youth unemployment. In some time, neither has the government succeeded in producing enough jobs for its qualified workforce, nor has it championed in guaranteeing these scholars a place in higher education. This group of unemployed youths has all the rights to be dissatisfied with the way the government has been handling its job. As these trends continuous, the number of unemployed workforce will grow, crime rates climb up, instability gets a boost, and the government will be bound to reassess its strategies.
And yet globalization is another factor playing here. As the world becomes increasingly more connected, the masses will be exposed to the world outside their sole confinements. They will learn to compare, contrast and analyze in their own perspectives and in foreigners’, and assess their own government and those of others, and decide if the time has come to seek a fundamental restructuring of the mainstream politics. When the young bloods travel abroad for studies and employments, they will see a different part of the world. The small cage where they have been satisfied for most of their lives will suddenly feel like an old leaking roof demanding replacement. Values and ideals imposed on them will be replaced by liberal democratic sentiments, and a voice for change. This voice, unlike the one made in the 90s will be more enthusiastic and compelling, enduring and genuine, and ultimately capable of meeting its end.
Whether or not Bhutan will succeed in utilizing its natural resources well is yet to be comprehended in full scale. The land is undoubtedly gifted – India knows this more than any. The international community sees it as a future leader in exporting goods and raw materials. They all want to establish a binding relationship with this pristine nation. But as Bhutan’s fragile institutions and unaccountable governing system become apparent, the same international community will turn their backs on and take advantage of the poor governance. History repeats itself; imperialism might follow this great nation as it did to Afghanistan in the 80s.
All in all, nothing looks good for Bhutan’s political leaders. If they do love their country, they should be more open to institutional reforms and long-term future investments. They should learn to sacrifice their quest for power and be more loyal to their constituents. Educational investments, judicial restructuring, and equal access to quality of life should see no alternatives. No farmer should be left unfed. No child should be deprived of education. But, even if the leaders comply to the needs and demands of their constituents, even with all necessary updates installed, and the needs met, the people will still seek more, because after years of oppression they deserve a real change – the change that actually cares the people. The yield will be hard fought for. The transformation will see enough ups and downs. But in the end the people will hold their nerves to come on the top. After all, honesty always triumphs.
As such, political pundits and expertise out there, if you do not see a liberalized Bhutan in the making, you should reassess your visions. Leaders and elites, if you do not want to see the nation of the people, by the people, and for the people, you should watch your backs – you will be crushed and brought to justice. Young generation of the new age, if you love and care your country, you should stay informed, involved, and morally and intellectually equipped, because even before you realize, you will be ruling your country. The future will prove that these are not just a blind optimism. The day will finally come when Bhutan can no longer reason its uniqueness to justify its oppression.
Editor’s note : The views are solely of the writer and does not represent anything of the Bhutan News Service.
