The National Assembly is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of Bhutan. The upper house is the National Council. Established in 2008 with the implementation of Bhutan's first constitution, the National Assembly consists of 47 members elected from single-member constituencies throughout the country.
Elections to the National Assembly are held every five years. The electoral system in Bhutan incorporates a unique primary round where all registered political parties may contest. The top two parties from the primary round then proceed to the general election. This system is designed to ensure that the parties contesting the general election represent a broader range of public opinion.
The primary functions of the National Assembly are to enact laws, approve budgets, and hold the government accountable. It can initiate and pass legislation, amend existing laws, and ratify international treaties. The Assembly also has the power to impeach the King or any other high-ranking official of the government for gross misconduct or violation of the constitution.
Bills passed by the National Assembly must also be passed by the National Council and assented to by the Druk Gyalpo (King) to become law. In case of disagreement between the two houses, a joint sitting of Parliament is convened to resolve the issue.
The Speaker of the National Assembly presides over the sessions and ensures the smooth functioning of the House. The Speaker is elected from among the members of the National Assembly.