11/08/2026
Article 10 of the Constitution of Bhutan — Parliament
“Every member of Parliament shall maintain the decorum and dignity of the House and shall desist from acts of defamation and use of physical force.”
This is a beautiful reflection of Bhutanese democracy, where members may disagree strongly but continue to respect one another, uphold the dignity of the House, and put the national interest above personal differences.
In many countries, parliamentary debates can sometimes become highly confrontational, with members openly attacking one another and, in some unfortunate instances, even resorting to physical confrontation. Bhutan, however, continues to demonstrate a distinctive parliamentary culture rooted in mutual respect, dignity, restraint, and commitment to the institution of Parliament.
Although parliamentary sessions may at times become intense or reflect the frustration of members during serious deliberations, Members of Parliament in Bhutan continue to uphold respect for one another, the sanctity and decorum of the House, and the values of our constitutional monarchy. This is one of the qualities that makes the Parliament of Bhutan a remarkable example of democratic practice.
The former Opposition Leader, Mr. Dorji Wangdi, has consistently demonstrated this spirit through his conduct in Parliament. During deliberations on bills and matters of national importance, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity and decorum of the House. The role of the Opposition is not merely to oppose the Government, but to scrutinize, question, and provide constructive checks and balances—supporting the Government when necessary and firmly raising concerns when a policy or bill may not serve the best interests of the country and its people.
I personally remember a remark shared by the former Honourable Opposition Leader, Mr Dorji Wangdi, during one of our casual conversations. He said, in essence:
“We have to deeply maintain and uphold the decorum of the House whenever we deliberate in Parliament. No matter how frustrated we may become, we should not go beyond those principles. We should set the best example for others.”
Those words have stayed with me because they reflect an important principle of parliamentary democracy: disagreement does not require disrespect, and opposition does not mean hostility.
Bhutan is truly blessed to have a democratic constitutional monarchy where democracy, constitutional institutions, and the enduring values of our monarchy exist together in harmony. Our parliamentary culture is a reflection of the wisdom, restraint, mutual respect, and responsibility that we must continue to preserve for future generations.
May the Parliament of Bhutan continue to uphold its dignity, integrity, and commitment to the Tsa-Wa-Sum, always guided by the well-being and aspirations of the people of Bhutan.
of Bhutan 🇧🇹
of Bhutan 🇧🇹
king ,One Nation and One people
