HM Jigme abdicates throne!

Thimphu, December 15: His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicated the throne on December 9, formally announced on Thursday, December 14, at the age of 51.

HRH Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has succeeded his father.

On Thursday, in a special meetng of the sitting of Council of Minister (Lhengye Zhuntshog) in presence of National Assembly Speaker Dasho Ugyen Dorjee, Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye, and Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kuenzang Wangdi, King announced that he has handed over the full responsibilities to Khesar with effect from December 9.

It is claimed that he step down to make ways for the new king to get as much experience before the parliamentary democracy is established in the country by 2008.

The Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk informed the nation through a public addressing on Thursday evening. PM also read out the Royal Kasho in full during his address. In it, the king expressed his gratitude to clergy, business community, government officials, security personnel and the people for their support during his 34 years of reign and added all in these years were achieved through people's co-operation, who are guardians of the sovereign Bhutan.

BBC on Friday quoted the Kuensel editor Kinley dorji as saying that the abdication was part of hte king's plan to introduce parliamentary democracy for which the young need to get experiences to adopt with the changes. 

Last year, the kind had announced to abdicate the throne by 2008 opening doors for parliamentary democracy. The draft constitution to establish democracy is under consultation. Bhutan News Service