Bhutanese face subtle choices in first election

By Simon Denyer

PUNAKHA, Bhutan (Reuters) - The people of Bhutan face some subtle choices in their first parliamentary elections on Monday, choices that underline the changes democracy is bringing to this traditional Himalayan kingdom.

The biggest decision of all was imposed on the mainly Buddhist Bhutanese -- their fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, went against the popular will by introducing democracy after a century of royal rule.

Democracy's adversarial nature has left many people uncomfortable in a land long known as the last Himalayan Shangri-la, but some are gradually getting used to the idea of deciding for themselves.

"Everyone is very sad to see the king stand down," said 42-year-old businessman Kinley Penjor. "We love all our kings."

"But I think democracy will be good. In the past if you went to a minister about your problems -- well there is always a little bit of corruption, even in Bhutan, or it might be decided according to his mood.

"Now we can elect the best candidates."

In 1960, Bhutan was a feudal, mediaeval place with no roads and practically no schools or hospitals. Today education and healthcare are free and widely available, most villages have access to safe drinking water and electricity, and life expectancy has risen to 66 years from less than 40.

A study in 2006 ranked it as the eighth happiest country in the world. Most people credit royal rule.