Politics in Bhutan

For any student of politics, this is an exciting time to be in Bhutan. The royally-appointed legislature, started in 1953, is now officially dissolved. Government ministers are now stepping down, to form political parties that will present candidates for legislative elections this fall and next spring. So far the Bhutan National Party has already merged with the Bhutan People's United Party, and the BPUP is hoping the All People's Party will consent to merge as well, leaving them to contest the election with the People's Democratic Party. Nobody will admit to any ideological differences between the parties, but it seems that the PDP is more rural-oriented, while the BPUP and APP have their power base in the capital. The parties are explicitly personality-centered at this beginning point.
We met with relatives of my students, who are involved in the process. Our official host, the Minister of Bilateral Affairs Mr. Wangdi, invited us to a luncheon with Bhutan's ambassador to Bangladesh. Ambassador Tsiltrum yesterday resigned his post, in order to head the BPUP! I would have loved to chat more, and eavesdrop on the many conversations!
Earlier today, Mr.Wangdi graciously gave us a tour of the Foreign Ministry, and the legislative assembly hall, stunningly decorated -- this room will be remodeled to become the Lower House in the new regime.