Tiny nation of Bhutan holds vote for parliament for 2nd time in history

A polling official in traditional attire displays for other officials a document with photographs of candidates at a polling center on the eve of polling to the upper house National Council in Samdrup Jonkhar, Bhutan, Monday, April 22, 2013. The small Himalayan country of Bhutan ended more than a century of absolute monarchy by holding its first parliamentary elections in 2008. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) (The Associated Press)

A Royal Bhutan Army soldier stands guard outside as polling officials in traditional attire check electronic voting machines at a polling center on the eve of polling to the upper house National Council in Samdrup Jonkhar, Bhutan, Monday, April 22, 2013. The small Himalayan country of Bhutan ended more than a century of absolute monarchy by holding its first parliamentary elections in 2008. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) (The Associated Press)

A Royal Bhutan Army soldier stands guard as polling officials in traditional attire check electronic voting machines at a polling center on the eve of polling to the upper house National Council in Samdrup Jonkhar, Bhutan, Monday, April 22, 2013. The small Himalayan country of Bhutan ended more than a century of absolute monarchy by holding its first parliamentary elections in 2008. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) (The Associated Press)

People in the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan are cementing their young democracy by voting in the nation's second parliamentary election.

The nation of 700,000 had its first election in 2008 after the king voluntarily reduced the monarchy's role in running the country.

The voting Tuesday was for the 25-member upper house. Polls for the more influential lower house are expected in June.

A royal decree asked "all voters to take their right and duty seriously."

Results are expected Wednesday.