At the first sitting after an election, the National Council elects a chairperson and deputy chairperson from among its members through a secret ballot on a date fixed by the Secretary General, who presides over the elections.

Nominations for members are submitted in accordance with established procedures.

The Chairperson presides over the National Council, signs bills passed by the National Council, represents the National Council in its relations with the Druk Gyalpo, the executive, and the Judiciary, and establishes inter-parliamentary relations.

The Chairperson, along with the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Bhutan, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Opposition Leader, is responsible for nominating candidates to constitutional posts such as the Royal Civil Service Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Royal Audit Authority. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson presides over the sittings.