Rediff

Thimpu, Mar 24: Bhutan, one of the world's last-known monarchies, took its final step to embrace democracy as voting began on Monday for the country's National Assembly or lower house.

"This is a historic moment for all of us," Chief Election Commissioner Kunzang Wangdi said.

A total of 865 polling stations have been set up across the country and 3,18,465 voters are on the electoral roll while electronic voting machines from India are being used for the polls.

Men in traditional 'ghos' and women in 'kiras' were seen lining up to cast their votes as polling began at 9 am (local time), half-an-hour ahead of Indian time.

Counting will begin soon after polling ends at 5 pm. International observers, including from India and the United Nations, are monitoring the polls.

Tight security measures have been enforced for the smooth conduct of the polls, with Maoists rebels based in Nepal asking people not to vote.

Personnel of the Royal Bhutan Army and the Royal Bhutan Police were deployed at the booths to prevent any untoward incident, Wangdi said.