What political system did Bhutan have before its transition to democracy?

Before its transition to a parliamentary democracy in 2008, Bhutan functioned as an absolute monarchy.12

Historically, the government was autocratic, lacking formal law codes or standard public administration features. Following the establishment of the hereditary monarchy in 1907, the sovereign—styled the druk gyalpo (“dragon king”)—held centralized authority.12

During the latter half of the 20th century, the monarchy initiated a gradual process of reform to share administrative responsibilities. Key developments included:1

• Institutional Changes: The establishment of the Tshogdu (National Assembly) in 1953, the Royal Advisory Council in 1965, and the Council of Ministers in 1968.1
• Power Devolution: In 1998, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk transferred most administrative duties to the cabinet and granted the Tshogdu the authority to remove the monarch through a vote of no confidence, effectively relinquishing his role as head of government.12

This period of reform culminated in the 2006 abdication of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and the subsequent adoption of a new constitution in 2008, which established a bicameral parliament and completed the transition to a parliamentary democracy.12