The Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party, widely seen as the more royalist of the two parties seeking power, swept the first parliamentary elections ever, taking nearly every seat in the new legislature March 24.

The vote ends more than a century of absolute monarchy.

The process was started by King Jigme Singhye Wangchuck, who abdicated in favor of his son in December 2006. Bhutanese regularly refer to both as "His Majesty."

After the election, the king, 28-year-old Jigme Keshar Namgyal Wangchuck, will remain head of state and likely retain much influence.