E-Paper
Constitution
In 2001 the King commissioned the drafting of a Constitution, and in March 2005 publicly unveiled it. The Constitution is now awaiting referendum.
In 2001 the King commissioned the drafting of Constitution, and in March 2005 publicly unveiled it. The Constitution is now awaiting referendum.
Before that, Bhutan's only legal or constitutional basis was the 1953 royal decree for the Constitution of the National Assembly.
The 1953 Constitution set forth eighteen succinct "rules" for the procedures of the National Assembly and the conduct of its members.
The May 1968 revision reiterated and elucidated some of the eighteen rules but revised others. Beginning in 1969, the powers of the speaker of the National Assembly were strengthened, and the Druk Gyalpo's veto power was eliminated.
The draft of the new constitution was prepared by a 39-member Drafting Committee. The king has said the 39-member drafting committee, headed by the chief justice of Bhutan's Supreme Court, has "done a great job in drafting the constitution".
The Constitution provides the legal framework for a democratic political system that is best suited for the nation and establishes a system of governance that safeguards the security and sovereignty of the nation.
The draft Constitution has 34 articles and clearly lays down that Bhutan is a sovereign kingdom and the sovereign power belongs to its people.
Article I clearly lays down that the international territorial boundary of Bhutanis inviolable and any alteration of areas and boundaries thereof shall be done only with the consent of not less than three-fourths of the total members of parliament.
The National Day of Bhutan shall be the seventeenth Day of December every year and Dzongkha the national language of Bhutan.
Article II, on the institution of Monarchy, aims to ensure that if Bhutan has a capable King, he should be able to serve the country and the people meaningfully and ensure that the national interests were safeguarded and the aspirations of the people fulfilled.
The importance of the National Council as one of the houses of parliament is also emphasised. With 20 members elected directly by the people in the 20 dzongkhags and five eminent persons nominated by the King, the National Council would act as a house of review on matters concerning the sovereignty of the country and the interests of the people.
