Bhutan's King is to hand power to his son and stage the tiny Himalayan kingdom's first democratic elections in 2008, the state-run Kuensel newspaper reported on Sunday. In March, the Buddhist Kingdom published a draft constitution that aimed to set up a two-party democracy after nearly a century of absolute monarchy put in place with British support in 1907. "I would like our people to know that the first national election to elect a government under a system of parliamentary democracy will take place in 2008," the newspaper quoted King Jigme Singye Wangchuck as telling a public rally in the town of Trashi Yangtse. Wangchuck said his son, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, would take over from him in 2008. "It is my wish and prayer that during the reign of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Palden Drukpa (Bhutan) will remain strong and glorious ... and the hopes and aspirations of our people will be fulfilled," Wangchuck was quoted as saying by Reuters.
