The Election Commission of Bhutan hosted a signing ceremony of the constitution of Bhutan Children’s Parliament in Punakha, today. Student representatives of 153 democracy clubs in the country signed the Constitution at the Punakha Dzong’s Kuenray.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi said Bhutan Children’s Parliament will facilitate children to hone their leadership skills and voice their ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
National Assembly’s Speaker, Jigme Zangpo, who was the guest of honour, said such establishment will help female students participate in democracy in the future. He added it will also help strengthen the future of democracy.
Many of the student representatives said children’s parliament will provide them a platform to become future leaders. “We will also know the process involved in making decisions,” said a student representative from Paro’s Khangkhu Middle Secondary School, Tshering Chuki.
Democracy clubs were established as mini election commissions to conduct elections and organize events and activities to help students understand Bhutanese electoral system, among others.
The adoption of the Constitution was followed by a working session with the student and teacher representatives of democracy clubs, and dzongkhag education and ECB officials from 20 dzongkhags.
The session included presentations on various aspects of the children’s Constitution.
