History

The beginnings of Bhutan’s Parliament go back to 1953 when Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established the National Assembly (tshogdu) as a forum to debate issues affecting the people, discuss development plans, and record national revenues and expenditures.

The institution started with 36 members: 5 from the dratshang (Monastic Body), 16 nominated government officials, and 15 people’s representatives. Dasho Kesang Dawa, Paro Dzongtsab, was the first Speaker.

Sessions moved between Paro Rinpung Dzong and Thimphu Tashichho Dzong until 1993, when the present Gyalyong Tshogkhang building was established.

In 1965, the Royal Advisory Council (Lodroe Tshogde) was formed to advise the Druk Gyalpo and ensure implementation of National Assembly resolutions. By 1968, the Assembly was granted legislative supremacy.

Reforms under the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck saw the creation of grassroots institutions like DYT (1981) and GYT (1991), and by 1998, executive powers were devolved to elected ministers.

Following the drafting of a Constitution in 2001, the unicameral Assembly was dissolved in 2007. Bhutan then transitioned to a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral Parliament comprising the National Council and National Assembly.