Bhutan, the tiny kingdom in the north of the India, has decided to ban anyone without a university degree from contesting in the parliamentary election of 2008.

The election, which is also the first ever in the kingdom, will decide the members of National Assembly of 150 in accordance with a slow but steady effort to move away from monarchy. Though the decision of banning of non-degree holders will make more than 100 members ineligible to contest the election.

Chief election commissioner of Bhutan, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, considered that since the 150 member strong National Assembly would be the only law making authority in the country it’s essential to have members with a university degree.

The traditional Buddhist country is trying to emerge as a democratic country after being under monarchical rule for a long time with her king Jigme Singye Wangchuck planning, arguably, to relinquish much of his power.

Via-Reuters.