The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the Prime Minister should present a proper annual report of the state of the nation as enshrined in the constitution. A press release from the party states that “distributing hard copies of the report cannot be substituted for what is required by the constitution…”
According to clause 10 under article 10 of the Constitution of Bhutan, “the Prime Minister shall present an annual report on the state of the nation, including the legislative plans and the annual plans and priorities of the government to the Druk Gyalpo and a joint sitting of the parliament.”
Every year through this address, the nation is informed of the state of the country and the government’s performance in the past years and its plan and priorities in the next year. However, as per PDP’s press release, the Prime Minister’s lack of preparedness and recklessness this time failed to present the much-awaited event. The party also accuses the Prime Minister of violating the Constitution which will “cause a significant dent in our young democracy”.
During the National Assembly today, the Prime Minister said it was not befitting to present the annual report at this juncture and that a comprehensive report would be presented next year to the House.
Kelzang Choden
