Addressing the inaugural session of the 87th session of the National Assembly on June 7, His Majesty the King said that the historic transition to democracy is something all Bhutanese must take great pride in.
“It is an unprecedented and unique achievement in the world that a benevolent King has through his efforts over 34 years, laid such strong foundations for democracy,” His Majesty said. “It is also the direct result of the dedication and commitment of the people and government of Bhutan.”
His Majesty commended the efforts of, and expressed his gratitude to the clergy, ministers, government officials, people’s representatives and the people of Bhutan for their dedication and service to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the country.

His Majesty reminded the Assembly members that this generation in Bhutan’s history carried the sacred duty of ensuring the success of the democratic transition. His Majesty said that every person must play his or her part in the coming elections. He encouraged all those who had the skills, experience and desire to serve the country as politicians, to come forward. “While the strong foundations for democracy built by His Majesty were a source of optimism and confidence, no one should be complacent,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that democracy was not about going from election to election, but a way of life. “The spirit of democracy must be a part of one’s life at home with one’s family, in the community, at work and in the government. It is not a word to be used for politics alone,” he said. “The spirit of democracy depends not on the form of government but on the principles, integrity and values of the individual.”

His Majesty reminded the Assembly that with the start of the political process, Bhutan’s 20 dzongkhags and 205 gewogs would be divided into 47 constituencies with many political parties and candidates. “In such times, the most important thing to remember is that we are a small country of 600,000 people,” he said.

“We must always stand united in spirit and purpose. We must always be one nation with one shared goal- one nation, one goal.” “His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck has sown the seeds of democratization. It is now my solemn duty to work with the people and ensure that the roots of democracy take strong and unshakable hold in our nation.”

His Majesty then addressed the issue of the Coronation in 2008. His Majesty said that he had become aware of the preparations for a grand coronation. He said that such elaborate preparations were unnecessary and that it was more important to ensure effective utilisation of the limited resources of the government.

“The blessings of the Guardian deities and of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the blessings, faith and confidence of the people of Bhutan are most important to me as King,” His Majesty said. “Rather than a grand formal coronation like in other parts of the world, I would be most content to travel throughout 2008 to be with the people of the 20 dzongkhags.”

“2008 should be a historic year to pay tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, commemorate 100 years of the Monarchy’s service to the nation and celebrate the birth of democracy.”

The royal address was telecast live nationwide. Source: Kuenselonline