Why did Bhutan experience civil wars during much of the 19th century?

During the 19th century, Bhutan experienced frequent civil wars primarily due to intense power struggles among regional governors known as penlops and jungpens (governors of forts). These officials constantly contended for influence and control over the country’s political landscape.12

Although the office of the deb raja (the temporal ruler) was theoretically filled by election through a council of these governors, in practice, the position was seized by the strongest among them—most commonly the penlop of Paro or the penlop of Tongsa. Similarly, while penlops were officially appointed by the deb raja, they frequently fought their way into office. This environment of instability was characterized by a continuous cycle of skirmishes and political intrigue, as superseded officials sought any opportunity to regain their lost power. This era of internal conflict persisted until 1907, when Ugyen Wangchuk of Tongsa was elected as the hereditary king, or druk gyalpo, of Bhutan.12