Politics of Bhutan

The Government of Bhutan has operated as a constitutional monarchy since July 18, 2008, with the King of Bhutan serving as the head of state. Executive power is held by the Lhengye Zhungtshog, or council of ministers, which is led by the Prime Minister. Legislative authority is vested in a bicameral Parliament, comprising an upper house known as the National Council and a lower house called the National Assembly. A royal edict issued on April 22, 2007, removed the previous ban on political parties, paving the way for the National Assembly elections scheduled for the following year. In 2008, Bhutan established its first modern Constitution, which formalized the governmental institutions and provided a legal framework for a democratic multi-party system.