Role of Media in Emerging Democracy of Bhutan

Abstract

Democratic reforms initiated by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth king, paved the way for democracy in Bhutan. However, it was only with the coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2006 as a fifth king that the process of democratization in Bhutan accelerated. In 2008, Bhutan joined the growing number of democracies in the world. Bhutan recently conducted its second general election on 31 May and 13 July 2013. A true democracy empowers people to voice their concerns; it demands accountability and transparency and ensures justice and equity. Being a young democratic country having weak institutions, poor accountability and low people's participation poses considerable challenges for Bhutan to achieve the constituents of true democracy. In the functioning of a democratic system media plays an important role. It constitutes the backbone of democracy. Media in Bhutan is still at a nascent stage. It was only in 2006 when some legislation was enacted in support of media, which led to its further development. Moreover, Bhutanese media has somehow bridged the gap between people as whole. For the last five years, awareness about media in Bhutanese society has increased. It has educated, enlightened and empowered the society, which is now becoming capable of enjoying the rights in a democracy. Media is helping to construct a new political culture in Bhutan. In terms of good governance, it is providing the space for public discourse and playing an important role in decision-making. So the present paper would analyse how media has created awareness among the people for strengthening democracy in Bhutan. It will focus on the role of media in democratic transformation of Bhutan.