 |
Bhutan's
National Assembly
|
|
 |
Bhutan Politics |
|
|
Bhutan Politics |
|
|
|
|
Bhutan's
National Assembly: The Speaker
|
 |
August
2004
82th
National Assembly debated and decided:
The
existing Speakers Act of 1996 was repealed when the members voted 99 to
43 to introduce a new 2004 Act in which several significant clauses were
also changed after intensive debate.
On
the eligibility of candidates for the post of Speaker, the Assembly
resolved that, instead of all 150 members who are currently eligible, only
the elected members would now be eligible. The decision leaves only
the chimis and the royal advisory councillors eligible for the post.
The
Assembly also decided that there must be a minimum of two candidates when
the Assembly votes for the Speaker. The members agreed that a "naturalised"
Bhutanese citizen should not hold the post of Speaker and the Speaker should
not be married to a non-Bhutanese.
 |
While
the new Act did not mention the educational qualification of the Speaker
the members agreed, after debate, that the Speaker must be proficient
in both Dzongkha and English.
In case candidates win an equal number
of votes the process will be repeated and, if the last two candidates tie,
the Speaker will be decided by drawing lots. If there are just two candidates,
they will not be allowed to withdraw their candidatures.
|
The
Speaker will hold office for a term of five years, instead of the present
term of three years, and will be eligible for a second five-year term if
re-elected. |
 |
 |
The
Act also establishes a code of conduct for the Speaker. The code of conduct
states that the Speaker shall not engage in any other "employment or
gainful activity other than those that are already in ones control".
During
this debate it was proposed that this would be amended and included in
the Lhengye Zhungtsho Act and that both Acts would be endorsed together
in the next session of the Assembly. |
 |
Apart
from moderating the daily discussions and ensuring discipline among the
members, the Speaker has the power to suspend a member for a day or
for the entire session, according to the rules of National Assembly.
The
Speaker can form an investigative committee to check on a member alleged to be of discredit to the National Assembly.
He
can also convene the National Assembly in case of an emergency,
with His Majestys approval. |
 |
The
Speaker can be removed through a vote based on a written petition signed
by one-third of the members of the Assembly. The petition should, however,
contain specific reasons for requesting the removal of the Speaker. The
reasons could vary from Speakers personal incapacity to abuse of office
to intentional violation of constitutional provisions.The Act also includes
a detailed election procedure for the Speaker, an oath of allegiance, and
the Speakers power, functions and responsibilities.
The
Speaker is entitled to all the privileges and status of a cabinet minister. |
The
Act also holds a provision for a Deputy Speaker who will be elected
from among the elected members. Unlike the Speaker, he can continue to
represent his constituency as a member even after being elected as the
Deputy Speaker. The Deputy Speaker will be entitled to all the privileges
of a Grade 1 civil servant.
 |
| This
article was contributed by Kuensel, Bhutan's National Newspaper, 2004 |
| Links |
|
 |
|
External
links |
|
