Politics of Bhutan

Politics of Bhutan
Constitution Law Human rights LGBT rights
Monarchy King (list) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Heir Apparent Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Wangchuck dynasty
State religion Dratshang Lhentshog (state religious commission) Chairman: The Je Khenpo
Government Executive Prime Minister Lotay Tshering Lhengye Zhungtshog (council of ministers) Parliament National Council National Assembly Judiciary Royal Court of Justice Supreme Court High Court Dzongkhag Courts Dungkhag Courts
Elections Recent elections Assembly: 2018 2023–24 Council: 2018 2023 Local: 2011 Political parties
Administrative divisions Districts of Bhutan Gewogs Dungkhags Thromdes Chiwogs Villages
Foreign relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister: Tandi Dorji Diplomatic missions of / in Bhutan Nationality law Passport Visa requirements Visa policy
Other countries
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The Government of Bhutan has been a constitutional monarchy since 18 July 2008. The

Bhutanese external relations and foreign policies were put under British control following the 1910 Treaty of Punakha. However, due to the policy of self-imposed isolationism, the effect of the treaty was limited to an extent.^[3] After Indian independence in 1949, Bhutan and India agreed to a ten-article, perpetual treaty which effectively continued the relationship, but with India replacing the United Kingdom. India agreed not to interfere in Bhutan's internal relations, while Bhutan agreed "to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations" (Article 2). The treaty also established free trade and full extradition between the two countries.^[4]

In February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was substantially revised with all references to phrases such as "will be guided" deleted, thus eliminating the last lingering doubts about the sovereign and independent status of Bhutan.^[5]

Branches of government

The

The Je Khenpo is the highest religious official of Bhutan and head of the Dratshang Lhentshog (Monastic Affairs Commission).^[6] He is typically viewed as the closest and most powerful advisor to the King of Bhutan. The 70th and present Je Khenpo is Jigme Chhoeda.

Bhutan's

In 1998, the monarch's

In Bhutan, political parties, elections, and referendums are overseen by the Election Commission, an independent government regulatory agency.^[6][9]

Candidates for most elections and appointments in Bhutan must be non-partisan; however, political parties may slate candidates for seats in the

Political pressure groups include the Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant anti-government campaign; Indian merchant community and the exiled United Front for Democracy.

Judicial branch

Bhutan's legal system is based on codes established by

The criminal justice system is based on trial before a panel of judges, and therefore resembles more the Napoleonic than the British or American adversarial systems. The prosecutor, a government employee, seeks to obtain an acknowledgement of culpability from the accused. If this happens quickly, the sentencing may be lenient. If culpability is obvious but the accused refuses to admit to it, the sentence may be correspondingly severe. Judges may dismiss the case for lack of proof at any time. Recent legislation defines required proof of guilt more closely, providing increased protection against trivial or mistaken charges. Minor criminal offences may be tried by the dzongkhag Drangpon (District Judge).

Bhutan has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction.

Administrative divisions

Bhutan is divided in 20 districts (