The National Council today decided to hold further discussions on whether an Impeachment Bill is required for constitutional post holders. The act, if in place will allow removal of constitutional post holders by the Parliament.
As per the Constitution, the Parliament needs to formulate laws on the procedure for impeachment. Article 32 states that a holder of constitutional office shall be liable to be impeached only on the ground of incapacity, incompetency or serious misconduct.
This issue was brought to the National Council when the Good Governance Committee presented the 2016 Annual Anti-Corruption Report.
Bumthang MP Nima said it is not that the current constitutional post holders are not performing their duties. But he said, “it is as per what the constitution states and for future need.” “Since we are discussing it already, we need to prioritise it.”
Having the Impeachment Bill in place, will ensure accountability by the people holding leadership positions, according to Gasa MP, Sangay Khandu.
He added, “All other people are subject to transparency and accountability and since there is no Impeachment Bill, it creates a feeling that we are not able to execute transparency and accountability with the leadership position holders.”
The house will decide on Friday whether drafting of the Impeachment Bill needs to be initiated.
The Royal Civil Service Commission, Election Commission of Bhutan, Royal Audit Authority and the Anti-Corruption Commission make up the constitutional offices.
