Constitutional Bodies In Bhutan
Election Commission of Bhutan
The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) was established on 16 January, 2008. It is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and periodical updating of electoral rolls, the election schedule, and the supervision, direction, control, and conduct of elections to Parliament and local government, as well as holding of National Referendums, in a free and fair manner.
The ECB is independent and consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two commissioner s, whose term of office is five years or until they attain the 65 years of age. Whichever is earlier? The ECB functions in accordance with the Election Act.
The Royal Audit Authority
The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) is an independent authority headed by the Auditor General, whose term of office is five years or until attaining the age of sixty- five years, whichever is earlier. The RAA is responsible for auditing the accounts of all departments and offices of the government including all offices in the legislature and the Judiciary, all public authorities and bodies administering public funds, the police and the defense forces as well as the received and the advances and reserves of Bhutan. The RAA functions in accordance with the Audit Act.
The Royal Civil Service Commission
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) is responsible for promoting and ensuring an independent and apolitical civil service that will discharge its public duties in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner. It is headed by a Chairperson and four other members, who serve a term of five years of until attaining the age of sixty-five, whichever is earlier. The RCSC is mandated to ensure that civil servants render professional service, guided by the highest standards of ethics and integrity to promote good governance and social justice, in implementing the policies and programmes of the government.
The Anti-Corruption Commission
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) established on 31 December, 2006 is an independent authority which is responsible for taking necessary steps in preventing and combating corruption in the country. It is headed by a Chairperson and two Commissioners, whose term is for five years or until attaining the age of sixty-five, whichever is earlier.
Drawing its power from the anti-Corruption Act (2006), ACC has three main functions: to prevent corruption by addressing systemic flaws, to create public awareness on corruption through education and advocacy and to investigate corruption. The ACC is currently preparing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy to bring all stake-holders on board in the collective fight against corruption.
The Monastic Body
Though the monastic establishment does not form part of the political structure of Bhutan, it has a vital role to play in the socio-cultural life of the people. The monastic community no longer remains within the confines of the Dzongs but actively participates in social work and in the improvement of the lives of the people. They have started attending various international religious conferences, seminars and workshops. Within the country, several workshops on religion and health have involvement of the monks and other prominent religions figures in the villages.
