The national assembly in Bhutan has been debating proposals submitted by King Jigme Singye Wanchuk which would turn Bhutan into a constitutional monarchy.

The King has suggested that parliament should have the power to force his abdication and that the cabinet should take over the day-to-day running of the country.

A proposal that parliament should choose most members of the cabinet has already been adopted.

A BBC South Asia analyst says King Jigme appears anxious to relinquish absolute power before Bhutan's pro-democracy campaign gathers momentum.

But he says it's not clear if his proposals will be accepted, as many members of parliament are ardent royalists.