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Politics of Bhutan
The Government of Bhutan has operated as a constitutional monarchy since 18 July 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.
Sovereignty[edit]
Bhutanese external relations and foreign policies came under British control following the 1910 Treaty of Punakha. However, due to Bhutan's policy of self-imposed isolationism, the treaty's impact was somewhat limited. After India gained independence in 1949, Bhutan and India entered into a ten-article perpetual treaty that effectively continued their bilateral relationship, with India taking over the role previously held by the United Kingdom. Under this treaty, India committed to not interfering in Bhutan's internal affairs, 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 facilitated free trade and full extradition between the two nations . In February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was significantly revised, removing all phrases that implied guidance, thereby clarifying Bhutan's sovereign and independent status.
Branches of Government[edit]
The Constitution of Bhutan establishes a government composed of three primary branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Additionally, it includes the de facto apolitical Dratshang Lhentshog (Monastic Affairs Commission) associated with the Drukpa Kagyu state religion. The secular and religious branches of government are unified in the figure of the Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). However, the separation of the secular government is not absolute. Numerous independent commissions, agencies, and institutions operate outside this general structure, such as the Royal Monetary Authority and the Election Commission. Some agencies consist of members drawn from multiple branches of government, like the Judicial Commission. Furthermore, various ministries within the executive cabinet, such as the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, delegate powers to subsidiary departments based on legislation enacted by the legislative branch. The legislative branch also supervises devolved local governments.