Bhutanese in exile bring out their constitution

Kakarvitta, July 18: Bhutanese in exile have publicized their proposed framework of the constitution that suit Bhutan amidst a function organised in eastern border of Nepal, Kakarvitta in Jhapa district on Monday. The statute was made public on the occasion of International Day for Justice.

The main features of the drafted constitution are constitutional monarchy, multi-party democracy, guarantee of people’s sovereignty, executive power in the elected government, independent judiciary and guarantee of fundamental human rights.

Leaders have said copies of the constitution were sent to king and chief justice.

In March 2005, Bhutan made publicized its first drafted constitution for public debate. The leaders in exile have strongly criticized the content of the constitution which basically gave more power in the king. The king had formed the constitution draft committee led by an Indian lawyer in 1999.

In December 2005 Bhutanese king announced to quit the throne by 2008 and hand over democratic Bhutan to crown prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wanchuk.

Thinley Penjor, chairman of National Front for Democracy, said they proposed a new drafted of constitution for Bhutan as the constitution drafted by the king’s committee did not include the demands raised by southern and eastern Bhutanese.

The drafting of constitution by the political parties, human rights organizations and legal experts in exile had begun soon after the Bhutanese government made public its draft.

Hundreds of Indian security forces were deployed up to the middle of the Mechi Bridge during the function to unveil the drafted constitution. Bhutan News Service/CN Timsina