How did Jigme Singye Wangchuk begin transferring power away from the monarchy?

King Jigme Singye Wangchuk initiated the transfer of power away from the monarchy primarily during the late 1990s as part of a broader effort to democratize Bhutan.12

Key actions taken by the king included:

• Cabinet Reform: In 1998, he dissolved the cabinet to have it reconstituted, in part, through elections by the Tshogdu (the national assembly). He transferred most of his administrative duties to this cabinet, effectively relinquishing his role as head of government.12
• Legislative Authority: He granted the Tshogdu the power to hold a vote of confidence on the monarch, which included the authority to require his abdication.12
• Constitutional Development: At his behest, the government began extensive efforts to draft a written constitution for the country.2
• Opening Society: He promoted the free exchange of ideas by lifting prohibitions on television broadcasting and allowing citizens access to the internet in 1999.2

These reforms culminated in his abdication in 2006, which paved the way for his son to oversee the transition to a parliamentary democracy in 2008.12