The country has been preparing for democracy since former monarch Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided to hand power to an elected government.

Monday’s vote is only the first step, and it has not been without problems - the Election Commission has acknowledged an unspecified number of complaints from eligible voters saying they were unable to vote because of bureaucratic glitches. More important polls to the lower house are expected to take place in February and March, when newly formed political parties will be able to participate. In Monday’s election, many candidates are fresh-faced 20-somethings, partly because of rules requiring all candidates be university graduates. All three candidates in Samdrup-Jongkhar, a district in the south, are under 30. Jigme Wangchuk, 28, is giving up teaching for politics.  He is running against Sangay Lhendup, a 25-year-old stand-up comedian and political science graduate. Both hope to beat Kuenga Dorji, a 25-year-old actor and singer.  The country has temporarily closed its borders as authorities fear exiled ethnic Nepali rebels, who Bhutan believes to be backed by Maoists in Nepal, could cause trouble.