His Majesty issues Kasho on Local Goverment Elections

During the audience granted to those who had appealed against their disqualification, His Majesty the King said that their appeal and the submissions made by the Prime Minister on behalf of the National Assembly, National Council and the two political parties, was with regard to the failure of the respective political parties to abide by the laws on procedures for de-registration in particular and on the interpretation of the laws on de-registration in general. Thus, the appeal would merit full consideration from the relevant agencies, if the individuals had themselves acted in accordance with the laws.

His Majesty said that the Election Commission of Bhutan was simply abiding by the Constitutional requirement that Local Governments must be apolitical. His Majesty said, “I have always encouraged political participation and the growth of political parties. Having heeded my request to all citizens to participate in the political process in the past, you may now, as prospective candidates for Local Government offices, be surprised that your participation in political parties have hindered your chances to run for office in Local Government. The Constitution requires apolitical Local Governments for very important reasons. Local Government responsibilities are very different from those of political parties or any other institution. Local Governments are the foundation for grassroots democracy. They must have intimate knowledge of the daily lives of the people in their constituencies; work in constant and close interaction with their people and nurture cooperation, consensus and close-knit communities. In a largely rural country Local Governments are even more important not just in carrying out vital duties towards achieving development objectives of their people, but also in bringing about a harmonious society.”

His Majesty said, “As individuals, having a preference for a political party is not bad. The majority of people will always hold certain preferences. However, in carrying out one’s duties as part of an apolitical institution, we must keep our political affiliations aside. It is as simple as carrying out one’s official duties without being biased by preference for family and friends at the cost of the larger community.”

His Majesty said that he always encouraged institutions to resolve issues on their own, through consultation. He said, “Once the Throne is involved, the Throne will protect the Constitution and the laws in place – it has no other path before it.”

His Majesty said that, “the sacred Constitutional duty of the King is to protect and uphold this Constitution in the best interest and for the welfare of the people of Bhutan. As I do so, I shall seek if necessary, the Supreme Court’s opinion, for the Supreme Court is the guardian of this Constitution and the final authority of its interpretation.”

Source: BBS

News: End of Bhutan 3rd Session of Parliament

His Majesty the King, Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker

His Majesty the King commended the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, the Opposition party and the National Council for their contribution to the successful democratic process, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the third session of the first parliament yesterday.

“I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system, while bearing great responsibilities, you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that the opposition, though comprised of only two members, through diligence and commitment, has fulfilled the important duties of the Opposition party enshrined in the Constitution.

His Majesty also assured his support to the National Council and said that the members of the Council, in the interest of the country’s future, have shouldered their profound duties with accomplishment. “I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the People and Country.”

His Majesty also commended the media for their role in ensuring a vibrant democracy and said that he would, through the exercise of Royal Prerogative of Kidu, strengthen media agencies, so that they may carry out their duties, without fear or favour, in the interest of democracy. (for details see special supplement of His Majesty’s address)

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jigme Tshultrim, informed the parliament that the joint sitting could not pass two “urgent bills, the local government bill and the civil service bill, 2009, although it was deliberated and debated extensively. “However, they’ll be passed during a special session, which will be convened soon with an approval from His Majesty the King.”

The Speaker also informed that the parliament’s summer session would be held in May and June, while the winter session would be in November and December every year.

The prime minister, the opposition leader and the chairman of the National Council expressed their gratitude to His Majesty for appreciating their performance and providing continuous guidance.

Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley thanked His Majesty for providing Kidu through Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Yangzom to the families of the seven students, who were washed away by the Wangchu.

He said that an investigation would be carried out on the unfortunate accident. “This was a national tragedy and, in order for this kind of disaster to not happen again, the government will now look at various policies and means to prevent these kinds of incidents. We’ll also come up with ways to help people stuck in such disasters,” said the prime minister.

The prime minister thanked His Majesty for his appreciation and support on the successful working of the democratic system. He said that, as the first government and Parliament in the democratic system, they had an extra responsibility to ensure its success. He said the Parliament had successfully made many laws (Police Act, Prison Act, Waste Management Act and Livestock Act) to be put up to His Majesty.

On the two urgent bills, the prime minister said that he was both disappointed and happy to see the bills not passed.

“I’m disappointed because we couldn’t pass the bills and happy because it wasn’t the Opposition or the National Council, but all MPs, who worked on the laws and decided in the end, that the laws were not yet satisfactory or good for the country.” He said that, in a democracy, laws are most important and, if there are good laws, they will bring about equity and justice.

The opposition leader Tshering Tobgay said that the laws could be passed, based on the constitution and by consultation between MPs. The chairperson of the National Council, Namgay Penjore said that the joint sitting had a successful discussion. “The two bills would have immense implication in the long run and quality deliberations and discussions were needed. However, the bills won’t be prolonged and we’ll endorse it very soon,” he said.

The session concluded with the offering of Tashi Moenlam, a tradition that symbolises the fidelity between the Druk Gyalpo, government and the people of Bhutan. Gathered around the Golden Throne, the members of parliament also offered prayers for the health and long life of His Majesty the King, for peace and prosperity in the country, and for the well being of the Bhutanese people.

Source: Kuenselonline