The National Assembly of the first democratically elected parliament dissolved, today. The Assembly completed its five year term, since its constitution in April 2008. The members of the assembly offered Tashi Moenlam at the Gyalyong Tshokhang, at the last day of the Assembly.
The members then offered Tashi Moenlam to His the Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Gyaltshuen and the members of the Royal Family. The session concluded with the Prime Minister and the Speaker offering Tashi Khadar to the Golden Throne.
However, the government will not dissolve until the interim government is formed. According to the Article 19, Section 1 of the Constitution whenever the National Assembly is dissolved, the Druk Gyalpo shall appoint an interim government to function for a period, which shall not exceed 90 days, to enable the election commission to hold free and fair election.
As per the Constitution, the interim government shall consist of a Chief Advisor and other advisors appointed by Druk Gyalpo. The Chief Justice shall be appointed as the Chief Advisor. The Prime Minister and other cabinet ministers shall resign from office immediately after the appointment of the interim government.
Opposition changes Kabney
Right after the dissolution of the Parliament, the Opposition Leader, Tshering Tobgay, and the opposition member, MP Damcho Dorji changed their kabneys, symbolically giving up their parliamentary tittles.
MP Damcho Dorji said His Majesty awarded the members of the parliament with respective Kabneys in 2008. “And today as we complete our term, we have no right to cling onto this Kabney.” He also said the Election Commission’s laws debar any office holders either as a minister or as a member of parliament to contest. He said they have to give up all their offices and to go into the election as a common man.
