However, the King said a king is chosen by birth not by merit and Bhutan’s future lies in democracy. After this pronouncement the fourth King voluntarily abdicated the Golden Throne in favor of his son in 2006. The fifth King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, officially ascended the Throne on 1 November 2008.

According to the Constitution, the election to the National Assembly should take place in two phases – primary and general round. The two parties that garner the highest votes in the primaries contest in the general round. The winning party forms the government and the other becomes the opposition.

However, in the first elections in 2008 there were just two political parties running and the primary round had to be skipped. In 2024, five political parties participated in the elections. The election to the National Council is held separately.

People who wish to run for elections to the National Assembly and the National Council should possess an academic qualification of at least a university degree. Bhutan’s Parliament is said to be the most educated, at least in the region.

Religious personalities are not allowed to participate as candidates and vote in election. The arrangement is said to have been made to keep the religion and politics separate. In Bhutan religion is considered above politics.