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Bhutan's
National Assembly |
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Bhutan Politics |
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Bhutan Politics |
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87th
session of the National Assembly
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June
2007
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.
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| THis
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. |
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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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| Contributed
by Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2007 |
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His
Majesty addresses the 87th session of the National Assembly
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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.
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
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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." |
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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."
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.
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| Contributed
by Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2007 |
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