ABSTRACT
In conclusion, I reflect on the direction of political change at both the state and local levels in the aftermath of the 2008 elections. I argue that the centrality of the monarchy in Bhutanese society and politics has strongly informed the process and outcome of parliamentary elections. By this, I do not at all suggest that the palace continues to have political agency in elections. It is rather the people’s relationship to the monarchy and their perceptions of democracy in relation to the monarchy which have significant bearing on the electoral process. I also suggest that parliamentary democracy has created opportunities for rural people to negotiate their socio-political relationship with established authority in the local political society and with the state. I posit that parliamentary democracy has resulted in the moralizing of politics and elections, which is not healthy for the success of democracy. Since the monarchy enjoys tremendous support and respect from the Bhutanese people, and also constitutes a strong source of national moral authority, political parties fall back upon its symbols and associations to maximize political mileage. This, I conclude, is best avoided in all situations so that the monarchy continues to represent the national community by remaining above the pressures of everyday politics.
