Bhutan 2008 Constitution

Article 18. The Opposition Party

1. The Opposition Party shall play a constructive role to ensure that the Government and the ruling party function in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, provide good governance and strive to promote the national interest and fulfil the aspirations of the people.
2. The Opposition Party shall promote national integrity, unity and harmony, and co-operation among all sections of society.
3. The Opposition Party shall endeavour to promote and engage in constructive and responsible debate in Parliament while providing healthy and dignified opposition to the Government.
4. The Opposition Party shall not allow party interests to prevail over the national interest. Its aim must be to make the Government responsible, accountable and transparent.
5. The Opposition Party shall have the right to oppose the elected Government, to articulate alternative policy positions and to question the Government’s conduct of public business.
6. The Opposition Party shall aid and support the Government in times of external threat, natural calamities and such other national crises when the security and national interest of the country is at stake.

Article 19. Interim Government

1. Whenever the National Assembly is dissolved, the Druk Gyalpo shall appoint an Interim Government to function for a period, which shall not exceed ninety days, to enable the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections.
2. The Interim Government shall consist of a Chief Advisor and other Advisors appointed by the Druk Gyalpo within fifteen days after the dissolution of the National Assembly. The Chief Justice of Bhutan shall be appointed as the Chief Advisor.
3. Upon the appointment of the Interim Government, the Prime Minister and the Ministers who were in office immediately before the National Assembly was dissolved shall resign from office.
4. The Interim Government shall carry out the routine functions of the Government but shall not be entitled to take any policy decisions or enter into any agreement with foreign governments or organizations.
5. The Government shall be formed within ninety days from the date of dissolution of the National Assembly.
6. The Interim Government shall cease to exist from the date on which the new Prime Minister enters office when the new National Assembly is constituted.

Article 20. The Executive

1. The Government shall protect and strengthen the sovereignty of the Kingdom, provide good governance, and ensure peace, security, well-being and happiness of the people.
2. The Executive Power shall be vested in the Lhengye Zhungtshog which shall consist of the Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The number of Ministers shall be determined by the number of Ministries required to provide efficient and good governance. Creation of an additional ministry or reduction of any ministry shall be approved by Parliament. Ministries shall not be created for the purpose only of appointing Ministers.
3. Subject to sections 16 and 19 of Article 2, the Lhengye Zhungtshog shall aid and advise the Druk Gyalpo in the exercise of His functions including international affairs, provided that the Druk Gyalpo may require the Lhengye Zhungtshog to reconsider such advice, either generally or otherwise.
4. The Prime Minister shall keep the Druk Gyalpo informed from time to time about the affairs of the State, including international affairs, and shall submit such information and files as called for by the Druk Gyalpo.
5. The Lhengye Zhungtshog shall:
   1. Assess the state of affairs arising from developments in the State and society and from events at home and abroad;
   2. Define the goals of State action and determine the resources required to achieve them;
   3. Plan and co-ordinate government policies and ensure their implementation; and
   4. Represent the Kingdom at home and abroad.
6. The Lhengye Zhungtshog shall promote an efficient civil administration based on the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution.
7. The Lhengye Zhungtshog shall be collectively responsible to the Druk Gyalpo and to Parliament.
8. The Executive shall not issue any executive order, circular, rule or notification which is inconsistent with or shall have the effect of modifying, varying or superseding any provision of a law made by Parliament or a law in force.