KATHMANDU – Coordinator of the taskforce formed to prepare debate paper for constitution amendment and Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political adviser, Asim Shah, clarified that the constitution amendment would be taken ahead based on the national debate and consensus.
During the process of gathering suggestions from leaders of various political parties regarding paper preparation, Shah clarified the government was not attempting to amend the constitution unilaterally, but was rather effortful to find a common point by forging national political consensus.
In the discussion held today at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office, Coordinator Shah reiterated the government’s seriousness to the sensitive aspects of the constitution.
The taskforce is identifying areas where common consensus are possible and where not on various issues, he informed.
Leaders of various political parties participating in the discussion presented their suggestions regarding the forms of governance, electoral system, and the structure of the province. Janamat Party Chair Dr. CK Raut emphasized the need to strengthen the republic through constitutional amendment and proposed comprehensive structural reforms.
He pitched for changing governmental system to have a directly elected president and a directly elected provincial head. Raut recommended electing heads of constitutional bodies, reforming expensive electoral system and guarantying the ‘right to reject’ and ‘right to recall’ provisions in the constitution.
Dr. Raut argued ministers should be appointed based on experts, lawmakers should not be subject to whips, and Supreme Court justices should be elected.
Nepali Congress leader Min Bishwokarma said the fundamental aspects and the preamble of the constitution should in no way be the subject to change.
Defining the constitution as a dynamic document, he suggested fundamental achievements such as the republic, federalism, inclusiveness, and national sovereignty should not be interfered with.
He recommended reducing the number of people’s representatives and ministers in the federal and provincial levels.
CPN (UML) central member Krishna Bhakta Pokharel echoed not to make the fundamental pillars of the constitution the subject of change. He also stressed on the need to bestow the non-resident Nepalis with the rights, excluding political ones.
Also speaking on the occasion were Nepali Communist Party leader Madhav Sapkota, Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Kabindra Burlakoti, Keshab Kumar Jha of Rastriya Mukti Party, former minister Kalpana Dhamala, and NC leader Deepak Kumar Kuinkel.
