India to assist Bhutan to hold polls

New Delhi, Feb 23 (UNI) India will assist Bhutan in holding its first-ever elections, which will mark the end of century-old monarchy.

Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon today assured the full Election Commission of Bhutan, that India would extend ''full cooperation'' for capacity building and any other assistance the tiny Himalayan Kingdom may require.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuk announced in December last year his intention to step down in 2008 and hold elections to provide parliamentary democracy to its people.

King Wangchuck said he would be succeeded by his son, the Crown Prince.

Bhutan's full Election Commission, comprising its Chairman Dasho Kunzang Wangdi and ECs Chogyal Dago Rinzin and Ms Deki Pem, met their Indian counterparts at the commission's headquarters here.

Bhutan's envoy Lyonpo Dago Tshering and officials from the foreign offices of the two countries were also present, a commission spokesman said today.

The delegation from the kingdom discussed with the commission, various aspects of electoral law and electoral management in India.

They discussed in detail the electronic voting machines (EVMs) being used in Indian elections.

The delegation will be in India till February 27 and will visit among other places, EVM manufacturing facilities at ECIL in Hyderabad.

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