His Majesty The King graced the opening ceremony of the first session of the third Parliament at the Gyalyong Tshongkhang yesterday.

Welcoming His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, members of the royal family, representatives of the central monastic body, foreign dignitaries, government officials and the people, National Assembly Speaker Wangchuk Namgyel expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty The King and the members of National Assembly for entrusting him with the role of the speaker for the third National Assembly.

The Speaker on behalf of the members of the Parliament also expressed their utmost gratitude to His Majesty for working tirelessly for the welfare of the people and meeting personally with the people of remote communities and granting kidu graciously to the people in needs.

The Parliament extended their deepest appreciation for the last government and members of the second Parliament for the fruitful achievement of the 11th Plan.

Speaker Wangchuk Namgyel also thanked and extended appreciation to the opposition leader and the members of opposition party for shouldering great responsibilities and accountability with utmost dedication in the past Parliament. “Under the good leadership of the incumbent opposition leader and experienced members, I am hopeful that the members of opposition party will continue to render full support and guidance during the Third Parliament as well,” the speaker said.

The speaker also applauded the Election Commission of Bhutan for carrying out procedural reviews and advocacies for free and fair elections of Local Government and the Third Parliament election.

He said that the people of Bhutan entrusted Druk Nyamdrup Tshogpa (DNT) with the huge responsibility to form the government during the third Parliament elections.

“It is, therefore, imperative for the members of Parliament to serve with utmost dedication and loyalty to fulfill the hopes and needs of our people,” the speaker said. “It is also vital that MPs serve genuinely and modestly, keeping in mind the present and future welfare of the country, ensuring social development and fulfillment of planned objectives during the deliberation in the House.”

The first session of the third Parliament will conclude on Janaury 24.

Rinzin Wangchuk