Bhutan To Vote As Economic Strife Hits 'National Happiness'

As Bhutan holds general elections, serious economic challenges like chronic youth unemployment are foremost in the minds of many voters (Credit: AFP)

The picturesque Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan holds general elections on Tuesday with serious economic challenges calling into question its longstanding policy of prioritising "Gross National Happiness" over growth.

Both parties contesting the vote are committed to a constitutionally enshrined philosophy of a government that measures its success by the "happiness and well-being of the people".