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Monday, 24 March 2008, 17:37 GMT

In pictures: Bhutan votes

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The people of Bhutan have taken part in landmark elections that will see the country move from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

A man looks tired by the wait to vote

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Turnout was estimated at nearly 80%. Long queues meant long waits.

An old woman and young woman in a voting queue

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Many Bhutanese were not that interested in democracy. But the king said it was their duty to vote.

A man casts his vote with a portrait of the king behind him

A man casts his vote with a portrait of the king behind him

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A photo of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck overlooks this voting booth.

Electronic machines were used to record the votes

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Elections officials come to terms with electronic machines used to record the votes.

Badges given out to voters

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Commemorative badges were given out to voters after they made their choices.

Mother and baby

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The two parties contesting the poll had broadly similar policies and support the monarchy. So change is likely to be gradual.

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