The National Assembly of Bhutan is an institution where elected representatives of the people gather to pass the laws of the country, scrutinise and approve the national budget, approve the Five Year Plans, deliberate on issues affecting the security and well-being of the country and promote welfare and happiness of the people.

It is an institution which embodies parliamentary democracy and has its roots in Bhutan since 1907. The proceedings of the National Assembly are regulated by the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly. All the members are required to report to the National Assembly two days prior to the commencement of the Assembly session during which time the newly elected members take their oath and complete other formalities. The conduct and proceedings of a National Assembly session in Bhutan is unique. The elaborate traditional ceremonies during the inaugural and closing sessions, the observance of a dress and speech code, proper floor decorum, mandatory presence of all its members throughout the session, and above all the observance of courtesy and respect among its members for maintaining and upholding the sanctity of the highest decision making body in the country, all contribute to the unique nature of Bhutan's National Assembly..

The Tshogdu Chhenmo was initially housed in the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong with Dasho Kesang Dawa as the first Speaker. There have been twelve Speakers over the last 50 years. The first session was held in the Autumn of 1953 in Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong. Thereafter, subsequent sessions from 2nd to 13th were held in Tashichho-dzong. During the construction of the Trashichho Dzong, the 14th to 28th Sessions were held in Paro. The 29th to 72nd sessions of the Assembly were held again in Tashichho-dzong and all the sessions after 73rd were held inside the Gyelyong Tshokhang.

In 1993, the National Assembly moved to its new premises, the Gyelyong Tshokhang, a new landmark in the capital. This sacred hall, adorned with traditional artwork and fully equipped with modern convention facilities, symbolizes yet another new era in the history of the Tshogdu Chhenmo (the National Assembly).

The 81st session of the National Assembly held in June 2003 is a landmark in the evolution of Bhutanese political system. Our parliamentary system was established on the 15th Day of the 12th Month of the Water Snake Year corresponding to January 18, 1953. Hence we crossed the threshold of the Golden Jubilee in January 2003.

Through this website, you will be able to obtain useful information on various aspects of the National Assembly of Bhutan. We have also included the resolutions adopted in various sessions of the National Assembly in the past.