Bhutan to launch final draft of Constitution
Thimphu, January 31: The final draft version of the Constitution of Bhutan will be officially launched soon according to chairman of the drafting committee, Sonam Tobgye.
It is said that the changes include the direct and indirect comments made by the people during the consultation meetings held in the 20 dzongkhags from October 2005 to May 2006. Comments were also received both from outside and within the country through various online forums and in writing.
Based on the feedback from the consultation meetings one section has been incorporated in article 10 (Parliament) which states that “the concurrence of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of each House respectively is required to remove the right of immunity of a member”. This refers to the immunity granted to members of parliament or any committee from an inquiry, arrest, detention or prosecution on account of any opinion expressed in the course of the discharge of their functions and vote cast in parliament.
The maximum number of seats in the National Assembly on Article 12 has been reduced from 75 to 55 members elected from the dzongkhags.
Most of the minor incorporations were in the Article 15 on Political Parties. The number of Articles has also increased from 34 to 35 with the incorporation of separate Article on the Election Commission.
According to Tobgye the most common submission people raised was the removal of Section 6, Article 2, which requires the Druk Gyalpo to step down and hand over the Throne to his successor upon reaching the age of 65 years. This was followed by submissions to incorporate the wearing of the gho and kira as symbols of national identity.
Tobgey also said that minor changes are still being made and as soon as it is completed it will also be launched on the Internet and a website, maintained for the Constitution.
The consultation meetings led by their Majesties the Kings, the Chief Justice said, had great impact as it helped sensitized and educate people who were confused by the ambiguity of the draft constitution.
The final draft constitution is expected to be adopted by the new parliament in 2008.
After the adoption it will provide the legal framework for a democratic political system to establish a system of governance that will safeguard the security and sovereignty of the nation and ensure the well being of the Bhutanese people for all time to come. Bhutan News Service/ Binod Sanyashi