In 2008, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck relinquished his sovereign powers. He gave the people a system of democracy. This historic move established a constitutional monarchy. It also created a democratic system of government. A Prime Minister now heads the government. However, the Je-Khenpo still leads all religious matters. The King remains the official head of state.
This start of democracy also marked a royal transition. The Fourth King gave his throne to his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck were he was enthroned to Fifth King of Bhutan. He assumed the throne at the young age of 28 in 2008. He later married his childhood sweetheart, Queen Jetsun Pema. Today, they live in a humble palace north of Thimphu city.
Bhutan currently has five registered political parties. The Druk Phunsum Tshogpa (DPT) won the first historic election. They governed the country from 2008 to 2013. After them, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) formed the government that served until 2018. The party that wins the most seats forms the government. The party with the second-highest number of seats becomes the Opposition Party.
The Bhutanese Parliament is the country’s highest lawmaking body. It has two houses: an Upper House and a Lower House.
Both houses play a crucial role in making effective laws. Any proposed law begins as a bill. Both houses must deliberate on the bill. The bill needs majority support in both houses to pass. After passing, the bill goes to the King. The King gives the final endorsement. The bill then becomes a law.
The parliament convenes two times a year. It holds both summer and winter sessions. The summer session takes place during June. The winter session happens during December. Tourists can witness the parliament proceedings. However, they must first get approval from the National Assembly Secretariat.
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