PARTY SYSTEM OF BHUTAN

 

INTRODUCTION

Bhutan was ruled by a hereditary monarchy for centuries, with the King holding ultimate power. Since 2008, Bhutan has been a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy with the Druk Gyalpo as the head of the state and the existence of multiple political parties. In a Constitutional Monarchy, the Monarch exercises authority in accordance with the Constitution.

Executive power to run the country is with the council of ministers or cabinet (Lhengye Zhuntshog) headed by a prime minister, who is the head of government. Power to make and amend laws and make decisions for the nation is with the bicameral Parliament, consisting of the Druk Gyalpo, the National Council and the National Assembly.

ELECTION PROCEDURE OF BHUTAN

In Bhutan, political parties, elections, and referendums are overseen by the Election Commission, an independent government regulatory agency. Bhutan elects its legislative branch through universal suffrage under the Constitution of 2008. The Bhutanese parliament is bicameral, consisting of a National Council (upper house) and a National Assembly (lower house). With the introduction of Constitutional Monarchy in 2008, Bhutan has a bicameral parliament -- the Gyalyong Tshokhang. The parliament consists of the Gyalyong Tshogde (National Council), and the Gyalyong Tshogdu (National Assembly). Elections to both houses are held every five years.

 

In the most recent election in January 2024, the PDP secured a majority, with the Bhutan Tendrel Party emerging as the opposition.

 

POLITICAL PARTIES

DRUK PHUENSUM TSHOGPA

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (Dzongkha) is one of the major political parties in Bhutan. It was formed on 25 July 2007 as a merger of the All People's Party and the Bhutan People's United Party which were both short-lived. On 24 March 2008, the party won the first general election held in Bhutan. The party secured 45 of the 47 seats to the National Assembly. The party tends to be more popular in the east of the country.

PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The People's Democratic Party (Dzongkha) is one of the major political parties in Bhutan, formed on 24 March 2007. The founder president of this party is Sangay Ngedup, the former prime minister and agriculture minister of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The current leader of the party is Tshering Tobgay. The PDP tends to be more popular in the west of the country.In the 2013 elections, the party won 32 seats with 54.88% of the votes. 

DRUK NYMSUP TSHOGPA

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (Dzongkha), formerly the Social Democratic Party, is one of the five registered political parties in Bhutan. It was registered on 20 January 2013. The DNT has been Bhutan's governing party since the 2018 National Assembly election, in which the party won a majority of the seats. One of the primary concerns that preoccupied Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa right from the beginning was that of the widening gap between the rich and poor. DNT believes that, together, with the people of Bhutan, they can make thier democracy work. Together, they can secure our future.

A number of political parties are in exile and are banned from participating in the election process. Some of them represent the Nepalese ethnic minority, whose rights have been denied for decades on the basis of a restricted concept of citizenship, and many of whom have been banished from Bhutanese territory. The constitution bans the establishment of parties on the basis of religion, ethnicity, or region.

 

ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES

•  Contesting Elections: Political parties in Bhutan are the primary mechanism for citizens to express their political will and participate in governance.
• Forming Government and Opposition: The party that wins the majority of seats in the National Assembly forms the government, with the other party taking the role of the opposition.
• Representing Citizens: Parties represent the interests and aspirations of different segments of the population, translating these into policy proposals.
• Providing a Platform: Parties offer a structured way for citizens to engage in political discourse and debate, contributing to a more informed electorate.
• Accountability: Parties play a role in holding the government accountable for its actions and policies.
• Shaping Policy: Parties develop policy platforms and campaign on issues they believe are important for the country's development.
• Ensuring Representation: Parties ensure representation of various constituencies and regions within the National Assembly.

 

CONCLUSION

Bhutan is a democratic constitutional monarchy with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as head of state and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering as head of government. Bhutan's party system is still relatively young, with parties evolving and adapting to the democratic framework. There have been instances of parties merging or deregistering as the political landscape shifts.