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The 87th session of the National Assembly

The 87th session of the National Assembly, which could be the last session, was inaugurated in traditional splendour on June 7, 2007 the 22nd day of the fifth Bhutanese month.

the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
His Majesty Jigme Khesar, who graced the opening ceremony of the session, was received by the members and escorted to the Assembly Hall where Their Majesties the Queens and members of the royal family, government officials, representatives of the international community, and the people attended the traditional marching and Zhugdrel ceremony.

Welcoming the 160 members including 10 cabinet ministers, 10 representatives of the clergy, 106 representatives of the people and 24 government representatives, the speaker of the National Assembly, Dasho Ugen Dorje, said that the National Assembly session has come a long way since its first session in 1953 in Punakha initiated by the third King.

"Over the years, with great leaders guiding us, we have been fortunate enough to experience happiness and prosperity. And since the reign of our fourth Druk Gyalpo, our country has witnessed unprecedented socio economical development which stands out as an example to the outside world," said Dasho Ugen Dorje.

He expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to both His Majesty the King and the fourth Druk Gyalpo on behalf of the members of the National Assembly for further strengthening the country's security and sovereignty by signing and updating the Bhutan India friendship treaty of 1949.

As commanded by His Majesty during the 86th session of the National Assembly, he personally went around the country this year to help those in need. "On behalf of all the National Assembly members, we would like to express our gratitude to His Majesty the King," Dasho Ugen Dorji said.

The Speaker also reminded the members of the National assembly that over the years several bills and acts have been passed and even this year, there are number of bills to be passed. "Therefore, as a member, we should all be well prepared and have studied the bill in order to have a fruitful discussion and pass the bill accordingly," he said.

He also reminded the members that they should explain everything that has been commanded by His Majesty during the opening ceremony to the people in the villages and gewogs.

The 87th session is scheduled to conclude on June 26.

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His Majesty addresses the 87th session of the National Assembly

June 2007

Addressing the inaugural session of the 87th session of the National Assembly on June 7, His Majesty the King said that the historic transition to democracy is something all Bhutanese must take great pride in.

"It is an unprecedented and unique achievement in the world that a benevolent King has through his efforts over 34 years, laid such strong foundations for democracy," His Majesty said. "It is also the direct result of the dedication and commitment of the people and government of Bhutan." His Majesty commended the efforts of, and expressed his gratitude to the clergy, ministers, government officials, people's representatives and the people of Bhutan for their dedication and service to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the country.

the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
His Majesty reminded the Assembly members that this generation in Bhutan's history carried the sacred duty of ensuring the success of the democratic transition. His Majesty said that every person must play his or her part in the coming elections. He encouraged all those who had the skills, experience and desire to serve the country as politicians, to come forward. "While the strong foundations for democracy built by His Majesty were a source of optimism and confidence, no one should be complacent," said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that democracy was not about going from election to election, but a way of life. "The spirit of democracy must be a part of one's life at home with one's family, in the community, at work and in the government. It is not a word to be used for politics alone," he said. "The spirit of democracy depends not on the form of government but on the principles, integrity and values of the individual."

His Majesty reminded the Assembly that with the start of the political process, Bhutan's 20 dzongkhags and 205 gewogs would be divided into 47 constituencies with many political parties and candidates. "In such times, the most important thing to remember is that we are a small country of 600,000 people," he said.

"We must always stand united in spirit and purpose. We must always be one nation with one shared goal- one nation, one goal." "His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck has sown the seeds of democratization. It is now my solemn duty to work with the people and ensure that the roots of democracy take strong and unshakable hold in our nation."

the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
His Majesty then addressed the issue of the Coronation in 2008. His Majesty said that he had become aware of the preparations for a grand coronation. He said that such elaborate preparations were unnecessary and that it was more important to ensure effective utilisation of the limited resources of the government.

"The blessings of the Guardian deities and of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the blessings, faith and confidence of the people of Bhutan are most important to me as King," His Majesty said. "Rather than a grand formal coronation like in other parts of the world, I would be most content to travel throughout 2008 to be with the people of the 20 dzongkhags."

"2008 should be a historic year to pay tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, commemorate 100 years of the Monarchy's service to the nation and celebrate the birth of democracy."

The royal address was telecast live nationwide.

Contributed by Rinzin Wangchuk, Bhutan's National Newspaper, June 2007
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