Editing History of Bhutan (section)

===Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck===
On December 15, 2006, the fourth [[Druk]] Gyalpo, His Majesty [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]], abdicated all of his powers as King to his son, Prince [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], with a specific intention to prepare the young King for the country's transformation to a full-fledged, democratic form of government due to occur in 2008.

The previous King's abdication in favor of his son was initially set to occur in 2008 as well. Still, there was an apparent concern that the new King should have hands-on experience as the nation's leader before presiding over a transformation in the country's form of government. According to the national newspaper, the [[Kuensel]], the previous King stated to his cabinet that "as long as he continued to be King, the Crown Prince would not gain the experience of dealing with issues and carrying out the responsibilities of a head of state. With parliamentary democracy to be established in 2008, there was much to be done; so he needed to gain this valuable experience."

The fourth Druk Gyalpo further stated that: "Bhutan could not hope for a better time for such an important transition. Today, the country enjoys peace and stability, ensuring its security and sovereignty. After phenomenal development and progress, the country is closer than ever to the goal of economic self-reliance. Bhutan’s relationship with its closest neighbor and friend, India, has reached new heights. International organizations and bilateral development partners are ready to support Bhutan’s development efforts and political transformation."