A student takes part in the public consultation meeting

With more than 3,000 people gathered outside the sacred Kurje Lhakhang His Royal Highness said that such a historic opportunity should not be wasted. “We must draft a constitution that will ensure continued peace and prosperity now and for future generations.” His Royal Highness said that he himself and the Chief Justice would be happy to clarify all their doubts, record their suggestions, and ensure that all the concerns of the people were addressed today and in the National Assembly in future.

Taking active part in consultations the people of Bumthang, known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, expressed their concern that, if the traditional Bhutanese schools of Buddhism that represented the country’s spiritrual heritage were not specifically protected, they might be overwhelmed by other religions in future.

Lam Jamtsho of Ura warned that an influx of new religions would sow the seed of discord in a peaceful country where Buddhism was the essence of life. “We have seen that one of the main causes of political conflicts is the clash of religious interests,” he said.

His Royal Highness reminded the people that, in the eyes of His Majesty the King and in the provisions of the Constitution, all Bhutanese were equal. “Bhutan is a nation of religious people,” he said. “Religion is important to us. As long as people continue to live this way peace and prosperity will continue. After all, Buddhism is a religion based on equality, peaceful co-existence and tolerance.”

His Royal Highness said that Buddhism had always flourished in Bhutan because of the people and it was apparent from the concerns expressed at Constitution consultations throughout the country that it would continue to do so. His Royal Highness added that, under a parliamentary democracy, it was just as important to separate religion from politics.

When the Chumey representative said there was an apparent contradiction in Buddhism being the spiritual heritage of Bhutan under Article 1 and freedom of religion in Bhutan under Article 7 the Chief Justice explained that one was related to the culture and historical traditions of the nation and the other to personal choice and practice.

“While the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, no person shall be compelled to belong to another faith by means of coercion or inducement,” he said. “That will ensure religious harmony.”

On Article 4, Sonam Choden of Choekor said that there should be a comprehensive list of what constituted culture such as mask dances and other traditions in various shedras and gomdeys in different parts of Bhutan. His Royal Highness said that people in all dzongkhags accorded immense importance to culture and this was reflected in the unique provisions of the Constitution. However, the Constitution conferred all the power to the people to determine what was important for them and how they would protect these interests. Every generation of Bhutanese would do this differently.

On citizenship Sonam of Tang spoke of the need to strengthen the citizenship laws of the country. His Royal Highness said that this was clear in Article 6 which was then read out.

Former councilor Jambay submitted that the people wanted those who sought foreign citizenship to forfeit their Bhutanese citizenship in accordance to the law and, once forfeited, they should not be eligible to apply for Bhutanese citizenship again. His Royal Highness said that the Citizenship Act of Bhutan was like all laws anywhere in the world, drafted in the interests of the people and nation. But laws could not work on their own. They must be upheld by the people.

A young student said he hoped that the government would provide free education up to Class XII. His Royal Highness explained that, while education was a fundamental tool that a nation had to provide its future leaders, a nation’s resources determined how much it can provide free. However, the emphasis today should be on quality of teachers, materials, and the content of the subjects instead of the number of years. “It is important to first strengthen what we have and exploit it to its full potential,” said His Royal Highness who commended the student for displaying such confidence and maturity in speaking in front of thousands of people at an important gathering. “The quality of youth is the mirror to the future of a nation. A nation cannot fool itself into looking at a bright future when it has not invested in its children.”

The people of Bumthang said that the minimum and maximum number of representatives to the National Assembly from a dzongkhag should be changed to three and five instead of two and seven to bring about greater equality between larger and smaller dzongkhags. The Chief Justice said that, in other countries, the number of representatives was based on population. In the daft Constitution the number of representatives was formulated to prevent smaller dzongkhags from being overpowered but also allowing the democratic majority to gain legitimate influence and power. Therefore, the provision in the Constitution was ideal for Bhutan.

His Royal Highness added that, because of the small population, Bhutanese people enjoyed far greater representation in government than people in other countries. In addition to this the National Council allowed for one representative from each dzongkhag as well. This meant that policies of the government would be more likely to reflect the aspirations of the general population. “In the end,” His Royal Highness said, “It’s the people you elect. If you elect good and capable people into government the nation will prosper.”

The people’s representatives said that they were saddened to see the coming of politicians and political parties to the country. “We always thought that the success and prosperity of Bhutan under a benevolent Monarch was a special system that would be unique to us,” one said. Some asked whether it might be possible to implement the devolution of power without political parties.

The Chief Justice said that the drafting committee had faced this resistance to the concept of political parties from people in all walks of life throughout the drafting process but that a democratic system was not possible without parties. However, in Bhutan, a different election process had been designed to reduce the possibility of problems being faced in other countries.

His Royal Highness added that there were also unique provisions on Campaign Financing, Interim Government and the Opposition Party, all of which would help keep politics clean, efficient and responsive to the people.

One student suggested that the age limit of 65 years for candidates and officials at the top level of politics and government was too high. He asked whether it might serve the interests of the younger generation to reduce the limit to 60 years.

The Chief Justice said that the age limit of 65 years was among the lowest in the world. His Majesty had commanded that the experiences of other countries showed that without an age limit people would seek to hold on to their posts as long as possible. His Royal Highness said that this limit of 65 years had been set for the very purpose of giving youth and vitality equal opportunity as age and experience. In many countries they were yet to set a limit and many politicians and officials continued well into their 70s and 80s, depriving entire generations the opportunity to serve their country in leadership positions.

Another student raised the issue of corruption as being one of the major concerns of the youth. He was supported by elder members of the public who felt that corruption was now seen in all sections of society. They feared that the commission set up to combat corruption would not be able to succeed, given the challenge it faced.

His Royal Highness reminded the people that corruption had to be tackled at all levels. He said one obstacle to this was the spiritual and religious nature of Bhutanese who tended to forgive or ignore even those people found to have been corrupt.

His Royal Highness said that people, as individuals, must live lives of integrity and show no tolerance for corruption while the government must implement laws and penalties without fear or favour.

The postmaster of Bumthang said that he, his friends, and family felt that the security and defence of the nation should always be the responsibility of the King. He said this was the only logical option because throughout Bhutan’s history, from the time of Jigme Namgyel, Bhutan’s security and sovereignty had always been secured by the King. His Royal Highness said that, while this was true, the main line of defence of a nation was the people. If they worked with commitment, voiced their aspirations, provided their youth with good education, and were true to their culture and traditions, the nation would always be secure. Defence of a nation did not always mean war, His Royal Highness said.

Concluding the meeting His Royal Highness said that, having been enthroned at the age of 16 years, His Majesty had established such a strong foundation for the nation that, in three decades of rapid economic growth and political guidance, the people were poised to implement a Constitution and take full responsibility for their own future.

His Royal Highness said that he was confident the people would shoulder the responsibility. “Many of you are more familiar than me with the nation’s priorities and people’s needs, having worked with His Majesty the King for many decades. Bhutan’s greatest asset is the people and, with your commitment, we will be able to build on the strong foundations laid by His Majesty the King.”

The people of Bumthang said that they were overwhelmed by the confidence of the young Crown Prince. “We were unsure of our future with a new government,” said Jangchub from Chokhortoe. “With guidance from His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince, the changes will be a great success.” she said.

Many people expressed mixed emotions about the transition Bhutan was going through. Kuenga, a student of Chumey said that “the days of selfless, dedicated and loyal leaders inspired by the King have been slowly fading for some time, as more and more powers were devolved over the years”. “Once politics begins in full there will be no room for such people… only for politicians who will further the interests of themselves and their party,” he said.

“What lies ahead I am unsure,” said 64-year-old Sangay from Tang. “I have lived my days basking in the sun of peace and prosperity. I can only hope and pray that democracy does not fail in Bhutan. It would be a shame if a Command of His Majesty is not carried out by us.”