With the dates for nationwide parliamentary elections set for 2008, the newly-formed Election Commission of Bhutan began educating the people on taking part in the democratic process. Voter education messages through posters, pamphlets and other forms of infomercials were widely disseminated and two rounds of nationwide mock elections were conducted.

Druk Phuensum TshogpaPeople's Democratic partyMeanwhile, political parties were formed. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), headed by former Agriculture Minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, was formed early on in the year while Druk Phuensum Tshokpa (DPT), led by the former Home Minister, Jigmi Y. Thinley, was formed in August when five cabinet ministers resigned to take up political responsibilities.

Bhutan’s parliament consists of the National Council with 25 members, five appointed by the King and 20 elected from the 20 districts, and the National Assembly whose 47 members are elected from the country’s 47 constituencies. The party which wins most seats in the National Assembly will form Bhutan’s first democratic government.