Bhutanese elect national assembly

THIMPHU, Bhutan, March 24 (UPI) -- Bhutanese took another step Monday in transforming their Himalayan kingdom into a democracy by voting to elect their first national assembly.

A large turnout among an electorate of more than 300,000 eligible voters was expected.

Monday's election is for the 47-seat National Assembly or the lower house of parliament.

In January, voters selected 15 seats for of the 20-member upper house. The other five will be appointed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.

The 28-year-old king is following in the footsteps of his father and former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who began the transition to democracy in 2001 and abdicated the throne in 2006.

Bhutanese news site Kuensel Online reported the election is being observed by a 42-international team from the European Union, the United States, India and elsewhere.

The two main contending parties are Druk Phuensum Tshogpa and the People's Democratic Party. With little ideological differences between them, the two have promised more roads, better communications and services.

Kuensel reported thousands of officials have drawn duty to ensure smooth elections. They will be assisted by a 5,000-person security personnel and about an equal number of polling officers.