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Bhutan's
new Constitution
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Bhutan Politics |
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His
Majesty presents the draft Constitution to the lhengye zhungtsho
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November
2004
| His
Majesty the King said ... |
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| Initiating
yet another significant stride forward in the historical political re-
forms that Bhutan has witnessed in recent years, His Majesty the King handed
over the draft Constitution of the kingdom of Bhutan to the members of the
lhengye zhungtsho on November 22, 2004 at the Cabinet hall in Tashichhodzong. |
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His
Majesty explained that the draft Constitution was being presented to the
lhengye zhungtsho so that the members could deliberate over it in detail
and express their views and comments.
The
Constitution, comprising 34 articles, would then be distributed among
the people of the 20 dzongkhags for public discussion.
| His
Majesty said that, although the draft had been ready, the process had been
delayed because of the security situation that Bhutan had faced until recently.
His Majesty informed the members of the lhengye zhungtsho that the draft
Constitution would be distributed to the public early next year. The people
of Bhutan would study the contents of the draft, assess its contents, and
finally enact a Constitution that would ensure the future well being of
the nation. |
| His
Majesty reminded the members of the lhengye zhungtsho that the Constitutions
of many countries had been closely studied, not to be duplicated, but to
draw on their strengths and to adopt elements that were relevant and beneficial
for Bhutan. Even with written Constitutions many countries had faced problems,
and there were examples of parliamentary democracies that did not work,
so it was important for Bhutan to learn from their experiences. |
It
was important for Bhutan to draft a Constitution that was functional and
unique to the needs of the people and the country. The Constitution
should lay a strong foundation for good governance and a political system
that was best suited for Bhutan.
"The
Constitution must ensure the well being of the country, serve the needs
of the people, and fulfill their aspirations," said His Majesty. "Bhutan
is extremely fortunate today because we have the time and the opportunity
to achieve this cherished goal." |
| The prime
minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, said that the government was totally
confident that His Majesty the King, in his wisdom, would provide for Bhutan
a Constitution that would best serve the interests of the people and the
nation. His Majesty had taken the initiative to lay down the foundation
for historic political reform and the Constitution represented the ultimate
step in the devolution of power.
The
prime minister said that the challenge now was for the people, having been
given the authority and responsibility, to follow the Constitution in letter
and spirit. The biggest challenge, he added, was the interim period when
the people were not fully educated and prepared. Therefore, as His Majesty
had often advised, it was important for the people to elect the right leaders
who would be able to fulfill the noble aspirations of His Majesty the King. |
His
Majesty the King expressed his appreciation and Tashi Delek to the Chief
Justice, the Speaker, representatives of the clergy, the Royal Advisory
Councillors, the people's representatives from the 20 dzongkhags, and the
government representatives who had contributed their best efforts in drawing
up the first draft of the Constitution..
| This
article was contributet by Kinley Dorji, Editor-in-Chief, Kuensel, Bhutan's
national newspaper, 2004 |
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