Bhutan is a democratic, constitutional monarchy with a population of almost 800,000 at the end of year 2017. His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is the head of state, and executive power is vested in the cabinet, headed by Prime Minister. The country held its first parliamentary election in 2008 and the second parliamentary election in 2013. Bhutan will be observing the third parliamentary election in 2018.