Bhutan bans religious activity ahead of election

THIMPHU, Bhutan — Political leaders in the Buddhist nation of Bhutan announced a nearly six-month ban on public religious activities ahead of the upcoming elections, citing the Himalayan nation’s constitution that says “religion shall remain above politics.” A notification by the Election Commission of Bhutan asks people’s “prayers and blessings” for the second parliamentary election, expected in June 2013. But…