Amending the Election Act, in just seven years of democracy, would undermine the country’s Constitution, said Speaker Jigme Zangpo.
He made the statement in the house on Monday just before the members voted on whether or not to amend the Election Act 2008.
The members of the Opposition said the Speaker’s statement is a cause for concern. They said they respect the Constitution and will never do anything to undermine it.
Members of the opposition also raised concerns that the Speaker takes stance and is not being apolitical.
The home and health ministers said the statement was his personal opinion and not made as the Speaker.
As the discussion prolonged, the Deputy Speaker who chaired the debate called for an end to it, saying the issue does not need extensive deliberation.