Significant challenges facing Bhutan in the run-up to the national election, only the fourth since it became a democracy in 2008

The picturesque Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan holds general elections on Tuesday with serious economic challenges calling into question its longstanding policy of prioritising “Gross National Happiness” over growth.

Both parties contesting the vote are committed to a constitutionally enshrined philosophy of a government that measures its success by the “happiness and well-being of the people”.

Bhutan to vote as economic strife hits ‘national happiness’ - RTL

A woman voting at a polling station on Bhutan. A man wearing the traditional gho is seated at a table.
Ben Harris-Roxas @ben_hr