DHARAMSHALA: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated the president of the People’s Democratic Party of Bhutan, Mr Tshering Tobgay, for winning the parliamentary elections.

Mr Tshering Tobgay, a Harvard graduate, is likely to be named prime minister of the new government, after his party won 32 seats in the 47-member National Assembly in the elections held Saturday.

“I, on behalf of the Kashag, extend my greetings to you for winning with majority in the parliamentary elections in Bhutan,” Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said in his congratulatory message.

“I also congratulate all candidates of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) party for the smooth and peaceful democratic transition of power; and leading the country for the past five years,” the Sikyong said.

“The success of the general election and the smooth transition of power from one party to another reflect the vision and leadership of His Majesty the King. It confirms your people’s confidence and faith in democracy. This is a victory for democracy and its ideals. The flourishing democracy in Bhutan and other Buddhist nations in Asia proves that Buddhism is compatible with the universal ideal of democracy. The successful election in Bhutan has further strengthened this belief,” he said.

Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections in 2008 after its king ushered democracy in the country the same year.