Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 5: A Delimitation Commission shall, for the purposes of section 4, allocate to each Dzongkhag a number of seats in the National Assembly, so far as practicable, in proportion to its registered voter population. Provided that no Dzongkhag shall have less than two and more than seven National Assembly constituencies.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 2, Articles 3-6: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population
Comments: A Delimitation Commission shall, for the purposes of section 4, allocate to each Dzongkhag a number of seats in the National Assembly, so far as practicable, in proportion to its registered voter population.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 2, Article 5: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . Boundary Commission
Comments: A Delimitation Commission shall, for the purposes of section 4, allocate to each Dzongkhag a number of seats in the National Assembly, so far as practicable, in proportion to its registered voter population.
The Delimitation Commission shall, for the purposes of section 5, divide each Dzongkhag into Parliamentary constituencies equal to the number of seats allocated to that Dzongkhag, so that the registered voter population in each such constituency is, so far as practicable, equally distributed.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 2, Articles 5-6: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The head of state is the king, and the monarchy is hereditary.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Articles 1-2: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
d . Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The Druk Gyalpo shall confer Dakyen to the leader or nominee of the party, which wins the majority of seats in the National Assembly, as the Prime Minister.
No person shall hold office as Prime Minister for more than two terms.
A candidate for the post of Prime Minister or Minister shall be an elected member of the National Assembly and a natural born citizen of Bhutan.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 17: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Articles 1-2: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Bhutan that consists of the monarch, the National Council and the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 10(1): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
d . Two-Round System
Comments: The National Assembly shall have a maximum of fifty-five members, elected from each district (Dzongkhag) in proportion to its population, provided that no Dzongkhag shall have less than two members or more than seven members, for which purpose Parliament shall, by law, provide for each Dzongkhag to be divided into constituencies through appropriate delimitation, and for the voters in each constituency directly electing one member to the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 12(1): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The Constitution requires the establishment of an electoral commission and sets out the framework for citizens' rights to vote.
Additional details are provided in The Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 24: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Disputeeng.pdf
Election of Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008: https://www.ecb.bt/wp content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Media.pdf
National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
Election Advertising Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Electoral Commission of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Advertising.pdf
ECB Social Media Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/SocialMedia.pdf
Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Media.pdf
Postal Ballot Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/pb.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments: This Act shall: (a) Be called the ELECTION ACT OF THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN, 2008; (b) Extend to the whole of Bhutan, and apply to elections to Parliament and Local Governments in all electoral constituencies and to National Referendums; and
Source: Election of Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 1, Article 1 (a-b): https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Every person who is a citizen of Bhutan as evidenced by a citizenship identity card shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for a constituency.
Source: Election of Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 6, Article 100: https://www.ecb.bt/wp content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Commission shall establish Election Dispute Settlement Bodies at two different
levels.
The Body at the national level shall be designated as the Central Election Dispute
Settlement Body (CEDSB).
The body at a Dzongkhag shall be designated as the Dzongkhag Election Dispute
Settlement Body (DEDSB).
Source: Election Dispute Settlement Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018), Article 5: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Disputeeng.pdf
Election of Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 20, Article 466: https://www.ecb.bt/wp content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Election Commission shall be responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of Electoral Rolls for, and conduct of, all elections to Parliament and Local Governments as well as of holding of National Referendums under the Constitution in a free and fair manner.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 34: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Election Commission shall have full authority over all aspect of its financial and personnel management.
Parliament shall approve the budget of the Election Commission which shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of Bhutan. In the case, Parliament fails to allocate budget for the Commission on time, the Ministry of Finance shall provide the Commission with interim funds at least equal to the previous year’s budget
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 41-42: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Parliament shall approve the budget of the Election Commission which shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of Bhutan. In the case, Parliament fails to allocate budget for the Commission on time, the Ministry of Finance shall provide the Commission with interim funds at least equal to the previous year’s budget
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 42: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners shall be five years or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 24: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Election Commission shall be independent and consist of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 20: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: Three members: The Election Commission shall be independent and consist of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 20: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: A person shall be eligible for appointment or to serve as the Chief Election Commissioner or the Election
Commissioner, if he/she is:
(a) A natural born citizen of Bhutan;
(b) Not married to a person who is not a citizen of
Bhutan;
(c) Not convicted of any criminal offence; and
(d) Not in arrears of taxes or other dues to the
Government
The Druk Gyalpo shall, by warrant under His hand and seal, appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners from a list of names recommended jointly by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Bhutan, the Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council and the Leader of the Opposition Party
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 21,22: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government c . Executive d . Opposition e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: The Druk Gyalpo shall, by warrant under His hand and seal, appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners from a list of names recommended jointly by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Bhutan, the Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council and the Leader of the Opposition Party.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 3, Article 22: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Article 34: The Election Commission shall be responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of Electoral Rolls for, and conduct of, all elections to Parliament and Local Governments as well as of holding of National Referendums under the Constitution in a free and fair manner.
Article 35: It shall be the responsibility of the Election Commission to:(a) Register political parties; (b) Promote public awareness on electoral matters by conducting education and information dissemination programmes or by any other means; (c) Provide information and advice on referendums and electoral matters to Parliament and the Government;
Source: Election Act of Bhutan, Chapter 3, Article 34-35: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Information on elections and legislation, as well as workshops on voter education for stakeholders, the public, and others, is continuously announced online by the Bhutan Electoral Commission.
Source: https://www.ecb.bt/
Verified: 2024/08/27
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies
Comments: There is a voter guide provided by the Bhutan Electoral Commission from 2006.
Information on elections and legislation, as well as workshops on voter education for stakeholders, the public, and others, is continuously announced online by the Bhutan Electoral Commission.
Source: Bhutan Voter Guide (2006) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/BT/Bhutan%20-%20Voter%20guide%202006%20nglish.pdf
https://www.ecb.bt/
Verified: 2024/08/27
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Article 100: Every person who is a citizen of Bhutan as evidenced by a citizenship identity card shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for a constituency, if such a person is:(a) Not younger than eighteen years of age on the qualifying date as specified by the Election Commission;
Article 23, 2b: A person shall have the right to vote by direct adult suffrage through secret ballot at an election if the person is:
Not less than eighteen years of age;
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2008, Chapter 6, Article 100a: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 23(2b): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: Article 100: Every person who is a citizen of Bhutan as evidenced by a
citizenship identity card shall be entitled to be registered as
a voter for a constituency, if such a person is;
b) Registered in the civil registry of the Government
pertaining to that constituency and having his/her
Gung or Mitsi in that place for not less than one year
before the qualifying date; and
c) Not otherwise disqualified from voting under this
Act or any other law in force in Bhutan
Article 23: A person shall have the right to vote by direct adult suffrage through secret ballot at an election if the person is:
A Bhutanese citizen as evidenced by a Citizenship Card;
Registered in the civil registry of that constituency for not less than one year, prior to the date of the election; and
Not otherwise disqualified from voting under any law in force in Bhutan.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Chapter 6, Article 100b-c: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 23(2a, 2c 2d): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Article 36: The Election Commission shall have the power to: a) Introduce any device or system for the purpose of registration of voters, issue of voter photo identity cards to them, conduct of elections, for counting of votes and declaration of results thereof;
Article 56: The Election Commission may designate or appoint one or more persons as Dzongkhag Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to assist any Dzongkhag Electoral Officer in the efficient and effective performance of his/her functions.
Source: Bhutan Electoral Law (2008), Chapter 4, Article 36, 53-56):
https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Every citizen of Bhutan whose name is registered in the
Electoral Roll of the constituency for the time being in
force shall, subject to the provisions of sections 327 and
328, have the right to vote for any political party or
candidate according to his/her own free will and choice in
any election from that constituency.
Source: Bhutan Electoral Law (2008), Chapter 17, Article 326:
https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Article 131: A party of individual citizens of Bhutan calling itself a political party and intending to contest elections under this Act shall submit its application to the Election Commission for its registration as a political party for the
purposes of this Act.
Article 135: An application for registration shall contain: (a) The name of the party and the list of its members; (b) The name and pictorial design of the election symbol which it proposes to register; (c) The Dzongkhag in which its head office is situated; (d) The address to which its letters and other communications are to be sent; (e) The names and addresses of its President, Secretary, Treasurer and other office-bearers; (f) Whether it has any local units, if so, at what levels; and (g) A copy of the Charter of the Party.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Chapter 8, Article 131-136: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration h . Minimum level of education
Comments: A candidate for an elective office under this Constitution shall:
Be a Bhutanese citizen;
Be registered voter of that constituency;
Be a minimum of twenty-five years and maximum of sixty-five years of age at the time of filing the nomination;
Not receive money or any assistance from foreign sources, be it governmental, nongovernmental, private organizations or from private parties or individuals; and
Fulfil the necessary educational and other qualifications prescribed in the Electoral Laws.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Chapter 10, Article 175-178: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan (2008), Article 23 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
d . In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments: A candidate to or a member of the National Council shall not belong to any political party.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 11 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Chapter 10: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: Parliament shall, by law, establish a Public Election Fund into which shall be paid every year such amounts as the Election Commission may consider appropriate to fund registered political parties and their candidates during elections to the
National Assembly and candidates to the National Council.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 16: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Public Election Fund Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2018, Articles 7.1: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/fund.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance e . Other
Comments: The Election Commission shall make the payment out of the Public Election Fund in a non-discriminatory manner to the registered political parties and candidates in accordance with law made by Parliament.
All Political Parties and Candidates shall apply for Fund in the prescribed Application Forms.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Chapter 15, Article 278: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Public Election Fund Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2018, Articles 7.1: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/fund.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Election Commission shall fix a ceiling for contribution offered voluntarily by any of its registered members to a political party subject to the provisions of the Election Fund Act. Provided that all such contributions shall be made
voluntarily and must not be given to receive any favours, political or otherwise and provided further that all such
contributions shall be made by cheques and must be declared before the Commission.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Chapter 15, Article 280: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The counting of votes shall, subject to any general or special direction of the Election Commission, commence at the polling station or any other publicly designated place at any time after the close of poll.
Source: Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 18, Article 388: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: A political party, a candidate or, in his/her absence, his/her election or counting representatives may, within 24 hours of the announcement of the result by the Returning Officer under the provisions of section 432, apply in writing to the Returning Officer to recount the votes either wholly or in part stating the grounds on which he/she demands the recount.
Source: Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 18, Article 433: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The Election Commission shall allocate equitable time to all registered political parties on the cable television network and other electronic media to display or propagate any election matter or to address public in connection with election during the period of campaign.
Source: Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 13, Article 270-273: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: https://www.ecb.bt/public-debate-schedule-for-national-council-2023/
Verified: 2024/08/27
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: Article 271: The allocation of equitable time in respect of an election shall be made after the publication of list of contesting candidates for the election and be valid till forty-eight hours prior to the hour fixed for the commencement of poll for an election
Article 4.2: The period of broadcast and publication of permissible election campaign activities may start on the last date of submission of Letter of Intent or filing the nominations and shall end 48 hours before the date of poll.
Article 5.13: The Media shall be prohibited from covering any activity by Political Parties and Candidates during the period between closure of campaigning and the closure of poll.
Source: Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 14, Article 271: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018), Article 4.2, 5.13: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Media.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 283: The Election Commission shall, from time to time, fix the maximum limits of election expenses that may be incurred or authorized by registered political parties and candidates taking part in elections to Parliament and Local
Governments, including the funds received from the Election Commission.
56: Each party, in addition to the base amount received from the Fund, can incur expenditure from its own funds for
elections in the Primary Round and General Elections, up to an amount not exceeding the fund provided by the
Election Commission.
Source: Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 15, Article 283: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Public Election Fund Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Article 56-69: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PublicElectionFundActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The will of the people shall be expressed in a National Referendum. A simple majority of the total number of votes cast and counted shall be required for the referendum to be adopted.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are several legal provisions for initiating a National Referendum, but none specify conditions that would make it mandatory.
Source: Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 4. A National Referendum may be initiated:
(a) On the Command of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo if He deems a Bill is of national importance but has not been passed in a joint sitting of Parliament;
(b) If a petition on issue of national significance is made by not less than 50% of the total number of members of all Dzongkhag Tshogdues; or
(c) By Parliament, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution
Article 34: The Druk Gyalpo may command a National Referendum if:
In His opinion a Bill, which is not passed in a joint sitting of Parliament, is of national importance; or
An appeal is made by not less than fifty percent of the total number of members of all Dzongkhag Tshogdues.
Source: National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Article 4: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34 (2): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=26&database_theme=309
Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=26&database_theme=309
Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no legal provisions for recall, but the removal of elected officials is carried out through impeachment procedures initiated by the Parliament.
Source: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=26&database_theme=309
Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The will of the people shall be expressed in a National Referendum. A simple majority of the total number of votes cast and counted shall be required for the referendum to be adopted.
The results of a National Referendum shall be binding on all organs of the government, public and private entities.
The decision of a National Referendum must be implemented on being approved in the National Referendum.
Source: National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008, Article 60-61: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: A National Referendum shall be organized to provide an opportunity for the people of Bhutan to have their say on proposed laws, issue of national significance or amendment to the Constitution.
Source: National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008 Article 3: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
Verified: 2024/08/27
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
b . At any polling station in the same voting district
Comments: A voter shall cast his/her vote in person at the polling station through a secret ballot
The polling stations must be easily accessible to voters for polling and its perimeters demarcated by signs posted in
accordance with local geographical conditions.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 17, Article 330, 336: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments: Votes may, notwithstanding anything contained in section 330, be cast by post or online by any of the following: (a) Diplomats and persons working in the Embassies of Bhutan abroad; (b) Any person on special government duty who is for the time being residing outside Bhutan for the performance of the duty; (c) Members of the Armed Forces of Bhutan; (d) Any person on election duty;(e) Civil servants; (f) Students and trainees;(g) The spouse or dependent of a person referred to in sub-sections (a) to (e), if the spouse or dependent is ordinarily residing with him/her; and (h) Any other group of voters as specified by the Election Commission in consultation with the Government.
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 17, Article 331: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies e . By mail f . Other
Comments:
Source: Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 17, Article 331: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Postal Ballot Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2018), Article 10: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/pb.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots d . Electronic voting machine
Comments: Article 349: Every ballot box or an electronic voting machine to be used at any election shall be of the design approved by the Election Commission.
Source: Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2018): https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/evm.pdf
Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 17, Article 349: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Verified: 2024/08/27
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