The Government of Bhutan has been a constitutional monarchy since 18 July 2008. The King of Bhutan is the head of state. The executive power is exercised by the Lhengye Zhungtshog, or council of ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Parliament, both the upper house, National Council, and the lower house, National Assembly. A royal edict issued on April 22, 2007 lifted the previous ban on political parties, ordering that they be created, in anticipation of National Assembly elections to be held the following year. In 2008, Bhutan adopted its first modern Constitution, codifying the institutions of government and the legal framework for a democratic multi-party system.
Elections in Bhutan are conducted at national (Parliamentary) and local levels. Suffrage is universal for citizens 18 and over, and under applicable election laws. In national elections, political party participation is mainly restricted to the lower house of Parliament, and by extension, to the executive nominated by its majority.
The Bhutan national cricket team, nicknamed 'The Dragons' represents the Kingdom of Bhutan in international cricket. The team is organised by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board, which became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001 and an associate member in 2017. Bhutan made its international debut in 2003, at the Emerging Nations Tournament organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The team has since regularly participated in ACC tournaments, and also in two World Cricket League events, WCL Division Eight in 2010 and 2012.
National Council elections were held in Bhutan for the first time on 31 December 2007, though they were originally scheduled for 26 December. The new National Council had 25 members, which 20 members were directly elected from 20 dzongkhags by 312,817 eligible voters, and five more were appointed by the Druk Gyalpo. Nominations had to be filed by 27 November 2007, and the campaigning for 15 of the 20 dzongkhags took place from 30 November until 31 December 2007.
The National Assembly is the elected lower house of Bhutan's new bicameral Parliament which also comprises the Druk Gyalpo and the National Council. It is the more powerful house.
The Parliament of Bhutan consists of the King of Bhutan together with a bicameral parliament. This bicameral parliament is made up of an upper house, the National Council and a lower house, the National Assembly. The current parliamentary framework replaced the unicameral Tshogdu in 2007, with the first members taking seats in 2008.
The Constitution of Bhutan was enacted 18 July 2008 by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Constitution was thoroughly planned by several government officers and agencies over a period of almost seven years amid increasing democratic reforms in Bhutan. The current Constitution is based on Buddhist philosophy, international Conventions on Human Rights, comparative analysis of 20 other modern constitutions, public opinion, and existing laws, authorities, and precedents. According to Princess Sonam Wangchuck, the constitutional committee was particularly influenced by the Constitution of South Africa because of its strong protection of human rights.
National Council elections were held in Bhutan on 23 April 2013. All candidates ran as independents, as National Council members were prohibited from belonging to a political party.
National Assembly elections were held in Bhutan in 2018; the first round was held on 15 September and the second round on 18 October.
Tandi Dorji is a Bhutanese politician who has been Foreign Minister for Bhutan since November 2018. He has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
Tshencho Wangdi is a Bhutanese politician who is the current Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, in office since November 2018. He has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
Karma Donnen Wangdi is a Bhutanese politician who has been Minister for Information and Communication since November 2018. He has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018. Previously he was the member of the National Council of Bhutan from 2008 to 2013.
Tshewang Lhamo is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018. Previously, she was a member of the National Council of Bhutan from 2008 to 2013.
Kinga Penjor is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
Ugyen Tshering is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018. Previously, he was a member of the National Council of Bhutan from 2008 to 2013.
Ganesh Ghimiray is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
Passang Dorji is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
Gyem Dorji is a Bhutanese politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Bhutan, since October 2018.
