Bhutanese Elect First Parliament
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And today in the Kingdom of Bhutan, voters are going to the polls for the first general elections ever in a country advertised as 'the last Shangrila,' and where a quarter of the population lives on less than a dollar a day . Here's more from Bhutan.
STORY: Masked dancers whirl in the courtyard of a Bhutanese fortress during an annual religious festival. Isolated by the Himalayas, Bhutan is rich in traditional Buddhist culture, but poor, based on its economic development. Two years ago, Bhutan's fourth King left the throne voluntarily. In the
process, he turned Bhutan into a democracy, and left the throne to his Oxford-educated son. Today, the tiny nation will elect its first parliament. But there aren't any major political rivalries. This is more of a test-run for democracy: the debates are controlled and both parties have connections
to the royal family. Although security remains a major concern, Bhutanese citizens are warming up to the idea of voting. And many hope democracy will bring economic progress. [Sanjaya, Bhutanese Local]: "We are happy that elections are being held in Bhutan and we will be able to elect the people
of our choice and they will be answerable to us. So I am happy." Meanwhile, 100,000 Bhutanese refugees still crowd camps in Nepal. And many are hoping the new parliament will find a way to bring them home. [Devaki, Bhutanese Refugee]: "No one knows the future, some people are going to America, som
e are going to other places but we do not want to go any where else, We want to return to our homeland in Bhutan. With democracy coming in Bhutan I hope our demand for return would be heard." But despite poverty, underdevelopment, and also recent rebel violence, Bhutan has something on the develope
d nations. It's apparently one of the world's happiest countries. That's based on something called the Gross National Happiness measurement or GNH. It's another one of the former king's legacies, based on the idea that traditions and the environment should not be sacrificed for economic growth. It'
s also an alternative to the gross national product, or GNP, that instead tries to measure citizens' overall well-being. According to an early survey, 68 percent of Bhutanese people can be classified as happy. But that may change after today.
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| Comments for this video on YouTube |
| haha this is not ... ( 9 months ago by truthalltheway) |
| haha this is not democracy....this so called democracy will only help the king and his family to be more powerful....more corruption more suffering....... |
| wow, did u ever do ... ( 9 months ago by phento09) |
| wow, did u ever do a research to show that bhutanese live on less than dollar a day...bullshit. u may b in the most developed n richest country but remember bhutanese live in the happiest place |
| Shut up you news ... ( 6 months ago by Tsomo143) |
| Shut up you news repoter! Yes you idiot Bhutan is one of the world happiest and healthest country. That's what's important.Doesn't matter if they live more then $ 1.00 or $10,00.00. In US and rest of the western countries 85% of its population live under chronic disease, drugs, and dirty money. Now you tell me who's rich and who's poor, and who needs help? |
| I love Bhutan ... ( 6 months ago by Tsomo143) |
| I love Bhutan except its too expensive to visit there. Since they've no such a interest in making money and promoting tourist. $200 dollars a day's too much for me. ha ha ha But wish to visit this beautiful, small country with rich cultural soon. |
| The reporter merely ... ( 6 months ago by fp00n) |
| The reporter merely said that they live on less than a dollar a day, but didn't say if this is bad or good. It's just a FACT. Observe your anger. But I do agree that you're right...many Westerners suffer greatly, and need a great deal of help. |
| please dont think ... ( 3 months ago by whatananswer) |
| please dont think bhutan is some fairyland country..be real..like any country bhutan has many problems..royal family have snatched lands from the people..kings corrupt fatherinlaw and his family have literally made people poor..but foreginers dont know that..bhutan is one of the most corrupt country in the world which starts frm the king to his loyalists....save bhutan!! |
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