NEW DELHI, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- King of Bhutan has announced that his country will hold its first national elections in 2008 for a government under a system of parliamentary democracy, local newspaper Kuensel said Sunday on its online edition.

    Bhutanese Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be enthroned as the Fifth King in 2008, added Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchu in his National Day address on Saturday.

    "I would like our people to know that the first national election to elect a government under a system of parliamentary democracy will take place in 2008," the King was quoted by the daily.

    "I would also like our people to know that the Chhoetse Penlop (crown prince) will be enthroned as the Fifth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) in 2008," the king said.

    "As it is necessary and important for a King to gain as much experience as possible to serve his country to his fullest capacity, I will be delegating my responsibilities to the Chhoetse Penlop (Crown Prince) before 2008," the King said.

    He also expressed confidence that Bhutanese people will be able to choose the best political party that can provide good governance and serve the interest of the nation after 26 years of decentralization and devolution of powers to the people.

    According to the archive of The Indian Express, the Bhutanese King had announced a royal edict in June 1998 giving power to the National Assembly to dethrone the King by a two-third vote of no-confidence and elect the Cabinet and make the Cabinet accountable to the Assembly instead of the King.

    On March this year, he also announced a draft constitution to establish a multiparty democracy. Enditem