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Bhutan's
New Constitution |
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Bhutan Politics |
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Bhutan Politics |
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The
Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan has been adopted |
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19
July 2008
The
process was simple. On July 18, the 15th day of the fifth month of the
Bhutanese calendar, His Majesty the King, elected representatives of all
47 constituencies in the National Assembly, and members of the National
Council signed the historic document. His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo,
the monk body, the royal family, government leaders, members of the international
community, and representatives from all sections of Bhutanese society witnessed
the historic occasion.
The
ceremony was symbolic. It was held in the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong, the
heart of the nation's capital, under the gaze of the images of Lord Buddha,
Guru Rinpoche, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Constitution, lettered
in gold, was kept overnight at the Goenkhang to seek the blessings of the
nation's guardian deities.
The
historical significance was profound. The validation of the law of all
laws was an important step in the evolution of the Bhutanese polity. With
the Chayi Chhenmo (Zhabdrung's first written law, passed in 1619) placed
with the Constitution at the altar, the ceremony was reminiscent of 1907,
when the clergy, government, and people reposed the will of the people
in the Kings by enthroning Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck.
The
change took place within tradition. The new polity was validated with the
adoption of the Constitution, but this icon of secular power was strengthened
by spiritual faith. The Constitution was signed on the choethri, an ornate
traditional stand, that was passed down from King to King and now kept
as the place of offering in the throne room. The lopons of the dratshang
recited the tashipai tsig, a prayer for the prosperity of the nation and
the fulfillment of the aspirations of the Bhutanese people. Members and
guests recited the deshek tenpa, a special prayer dedicated to Lord Buddha
for eternal peace, prosperity, security, sovereignty and the well being
of the people.
In
his royal address, His Majesty the King said that the people and the King,
on such a day of destiny, resolved to bring into effect the root and foundation
- the very source - of all law in the nation. His Majesty said that the
Constitution would inspire the people because it stood as a testimony to
selfless and extraordinary leadership. The Constitution was placed before
the people of the 20 dzongkhags by the King and each word had, therefore,
earned its sacred place with the blessings of every citizen in our nation.
"This is the People's Constitution," His Majesty said.
The
uniqueness and the unprecedented nature of the introduction of democracy
in Bhutan were symbolized in the words of His Majesty the King as he signed
the Constitution.
"Today,
through this, my Hand and Seal, I affix on to the Constitution of the Kingdom
of Bhutan, the hopes and prayers of my people."
The
entire ceremony was broadcast live and the signed Constitution itself was
opened for public viewing and then escorted to the National Assembly hall
where it was placed before the Golden Throne.
The
chief justice said, "Democracy in Bhutan is truly a result of the desire,
aspiration and complete commitment of the monarchy to the well-being of
the people and country."
The
prime minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley, said that he prayed that he would
be able to fulfill the wishes of the kings and the people as the first
democratically elected prime minister of Bhutan.
A
dzongkhag drangpon said that he had prayed that the Constitution, with
each word inscribed in golden letters, be inviolable for centuries and
that it would be the guardian of "our hope, unity, peace, progress, inspirations
and the source of justice".
For
a MP it was the culmination of a series of decentralization activities
initiated by the monarchy in the long interest of the country and the people.
A corporate employee said that he had brought his children to the event
so that they would be able to tell the story of this historic day to their
children.
A
Trashiyangtse scholar said that even nature was shaken up on such a day
as Thimphu saw in the heavy rain and Tango flood a day before the signing.
The
Charge de Affaires of the Embassy of India, T Darlong, said that the signing
of the Constitution was a very historic occasion. "We would like to congratulate
the people of Bhutan on this occasion," he told Kuensel.
A
Chang Jalu farmer said that she had come to see His Majesty the King. "I
heard that, from today, we will be ruled by a democratic government so,
with deep sadness, I told my husband 'Take me to see our beloved King,"
she said.
While
the atmosphere in the Kuenrey was charged with emotion and people around
the county were absorbed in the ceremony, that was broadcast live on television,
many people who milled around the courtyard of the dzong were not perturbed.
They
said that they had come to receive blessings from the rare thongdroels
on display. They were confident that the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru
Rinpoche and the guidance of the King would always protect the nation and
the people.
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| This
article was contributed by Kinley Dorji with Ugyen Penjore and Rinzin Wangchuk,
KUENSEL, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2008 |
top
His
Majesty the King's address to the nation
upon
the adaption of the constitution on Friday 18th of July 2008 |
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19
July 2008
On
this day of destiny, in the blessed land of Pelden Drukpa we, a fortunate
People and King, hereby resolve to bring into effect the root and foundation
- the very source - of all law in our nation.
Speech
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| On
this day of destiny, in the blessed land of Pelden Drukpa we, a fortunate
People and King, hereby resolve to bring into effect the root and foundation
- the very source - of all law in our nation.
On
such an auspicious occasion, on behalf of the people I offer gratitude
to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. During his reign His Majesty built
a strong nation and secured the hopes and aspirations of the people through
the process of democratization and the enlightened vision of Gross National
Happiness. His Majesty has also laid a clear path for our future through
this Constitution.
The
significance of His Majesty's unique achievements as leader has transcended
the experiences of our country and been acknowledged by the world. In our
own country, many generations into the future, the Constitution will continue
to inspire our people as it stands testimony to a selfless and extraordinary
leadership. |
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This
Constitution is the most profound achievement of generations of endeavor
and service. As it is granted to us today, we must remember that even more
important than the wise and judicious use of the powers it confers, is
the unconditional fulfillment of the responsibilities we must shoulder.
Only in understanding our duties will the exercise of our powers be fruitful.
If we can serve our nation with this knowledge and in this spirit, then
an even brighter future awaits our country.
It
is my fervent prayer that through this Constitution we will, with our body,
speech and mind work with complete commitment and conviction as we strengthen
the sovereignty and security of Bhutan; secure the blessings of liberty;
ensure justice and peace and enhance the unity and happiness of all Bhutanese,
now and always.
Lastly,
this Constitution was placed before the people of the twenty dzongkhags
by the King. Each word has earned its sacred place with the blessings of
every citizen in our nation. This is the People's Constitution.
And
today, through this, my Hand and Seal, I affix on to the Constitution of
the Kingdom of Bhutan, the hopes and prayers of my People.
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| This
article was contributed by Kinley Dorji with Ugyen Penjore and Rinzin Wangchuk,
KUENSEL, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2008 |
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