By IANS
New Delhi : India Tuesday congratulated Bhutan for the “successful conduct” of the first ever elections to the National Council, or Upper House of parliament, held Monday as an important step in the Himalayan country’s transition to democracy.
Stating it was a great moment in Bhutan’s history, India said it was “committed to extending full support in the establishment of institutions required for the consolidation of the Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in Bhutan”.
While elections in 15 Dzongkhags or constituencies were held Monday, another five will be held on Jan 29.
India has supplied Bhutan with electronic voting machines for the elections. The Election Commission of India deputed three observers to witness the polling.
“Indian security agencies have been cooperating with their Bhutanese counterparts in maintaining law and order in the border areas,” said the MEA press release.
Noting that India and Bhutan share “uniquely warm and cordial relations”, the ministry said that they were an “exemplary model of good-neighbourly relations”.
“These relations are characterized by close consultations, maturity, complete trust and mutual understanding and are based on the foundation of shared interests and mutually beneficial cooperation,” said the press release.