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They will be electing members of the 47-seat lower house of parliament, known as the National Assembly. Most members of the 20-member upper house were elected in a January vote.

Voice of America online reported the two main parties vying for seats are both led by men close to the king, and analysts say they are ideologically similar.

Both party leaders have already served terms as prime minister, and one of them, Sangay Ngedup, is a member of the royal family.

Bhutan's 28-year-old King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck is leading the campaign for democracy started by his father nearly two decades ago.

Under the new constitution, the king will become head of state.

The online said security has been tightened for the polls following a series of small bomb blasts this year blamed on rebel groups.

Election officials also are concerned about making sure people in remote areas can get to polling stations.

An election for the upper house of parliament was held in December.

BBC online reported the monarchy remains popular in Bhutan partly because of its focus on promoting what it calls "gross national happiness" - based on the idea that economic growth should be balanced by respect for traditions and the environment.

Streets in the capital Thimphu were deserted and shops were closed at the weekend as thousands of people headed to their remote constituencies to vote.

Two Indian air force helicopters dropped election guidelines in mountainous regions and mules and horses carried voting equipment to ballot stations.

Bhutan is not without problems. About one-fifth of the country lives in poverty and youth unemployment has risen sharply in recent years.

Tens of thousands of ethnic Nepalis were forced to leave Bhutan in the early 1990s when the government imposed strict citizenship rules.

The refugees are now living in neighbouring Nepal and many of them are demanding the right to return, BBC reported.