Does Bhutan's method of democratic governance align with global democratic norms?

Yes, Bhutan's method of democratic governance largely aligns with global democratic norms, with some unique characteristics.

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008, marking its shift towards democratic governance. This transition was peaceful and voluntary, initiated by the then King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, which is a rarity in global politics. The country now has a bicameral parliament consisting of the National Council (upper house) and the National Assembly (lower house), both of which are elected by the people. This structure aligns with the global democratic norm of representative democracy.

However, Bhutan's democracy has some unique features that set it apart from other democracies. One of these is the concept of 'Gross National Happiness' (GNH), which is a measure of the country's progress. Unlike most countries that use Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of progress, Bhutan uses GNH, which takes into account economic, social, and environmental factors, as well as cultural and spiritual values. This holistic approach to governance and development is unique to Bhutan but aligns with the democratic principle of considering the well-being of all citizens.

Another unique feature of Bhutan's democracy is the role of the monarchy. Even though the country is a constitutional monarchy, the King still plays a significant role in governance. He is the head of state and has the power to veto laws passed by the parliament. This is a departure from the global democratic norm where the head of state in a constitutional monarchy is usually a ceremonial figure with limited powers.

Furthermore, Bhutan's democratic journey is still young and evolving. The country has made significant strides in establishing democratic institutions and processes, but challenges remain. For instance, the country has a low level of political participation, particularly among women and young people. Also, the freedom of press and expression is limited, which is a departure from the global democratic norm.

In conclusion, while Bhutan's method of democratic governance largely aligns with global democratic norms, it has some unique features and challenges that set it apart. The country's democratic journey is a work in progress, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future.