Bhutan is currently in the midst of general elections, facing significant economic difficulties that call into question its traditional emphasis on “Gross National Happiness” over economic development, according to Al Jazeera. Both contenders, the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) remain committed to a constitutionally mandated governance philosophy that gauges success based on the “happiness and well-being of the people.”
Despite its modest size, comparable to Switzerland, Bhutan is witnessing voters making arduous journeys for days to participate in the elections. The younger generation in the country is grappling with persistent unemployment issues, contributing to a brain drain through emigration, as reported by Al Jazeera. Bhutan’s youth unemployment rate, standing at 29 percent according to the World Bank, coincides with sluggish economic growth, averaging just 1.7 percent over the past five years.
In response to the surge in unemployment, a growing number of young Bhutanese citizens have left the country in search of improved financial and educational prospects abroad, with Australia emerging as a primary destination. A local news report indicates that nearly 15,000 Bhutanese individuals received visas there in a single year, surpassing the combined total of the preceding six years and representing almost 2 percent of the country’s population.
The issue of mass emigration is a central concern for both political parties participating in the elections. Pema Chewang, a career civil servant representing the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP), expressed concern about losing the “cream of the nation,” emphasizing the risk of encountering deserted villages and a depopulated nation if the trend persists.
Tshering Tobgay, the former Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), echoed the apprehension over Bhutan’s “unprecedented economic challenges and mass exodus.” The PDP’s manifesto underscored government statistics indicating that one in every eight people is currently “struggling to meet their basic needs for food” and other essentials, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Furthermore, while tourism constitutes a relatively small portion of Bhutan’s economy, it remains a significant source of foreign currency. However, the sector is yet to recover from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.