The Election Act of 2008 provides for the formation of political parties, provided they register and operate within, and swear to uphold, the Constitution and sovereignty of Bhutan. Registration requires an application process similar to incorporation, disclosing the essentials of the party leadership, membership, charter, and requirements including symbols and particular name and logo. Parties are required to promote democracy, and are forbidden to organize along status lines, including region, gender, language, or religion. The Election Commission denies applications of parties based on status, business concerns; of those with military or paramilitary structures; and of others within its discretion. Those that are accepted are registered and overseen by the Secretariat of the Election Commission.