Miscellaneous
CA resolution: Constitution promulgation on Sept 20
Constituent Assembly (CA) on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution declaring September 20 as a date to promulgate a new constitutionConstituent Assembly (CA) on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution declaring September 20 as a date to promulgate a new constitution. The decision comes amid speculation that the President is unhappy with three parties over their failure to bring the Madhes-based parties on board the drafting process and to hold consultation with his office before setting the date for promulgation.
Nepali Congress Chief Whip Chin Kaji Shrestha proposed September 20 as the date to pass and promulgate the Revised Bill of the Constitution of Nepal-2015. Chief Whip of CPN-UML Agni Prasad Kharel and the UCPN (Maoist) Chief Whip Giriraj Mani Pokharel seconded it.
Some see this resolution as an attempt to preempt any potential wiggle room for the President.
“While there is no legal provision that requires parties to consult with President, they should have done that,” said President’s Press Advisor Rajendra Dahal.
The relations between President Yadav and major political parties have come under serious strain in recent weeks. The head of state has been calling for a broad ownership of the constitution prior to its promulgation.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Tuesday, President Yadav reiterated his stance on accommodating the disgruntled groups. He urged the head of government to address the growing unrest in Tarai before promulgating the new constitution.
“More than half of the country’s population is not happy with the constitution. And protests are raging on for over a month. What are you thinking about addressing this problem?,” Dahal quoted the President as telling the PM.
CA Chairman Subas Nembang wanted to extend a formal invitation to the President on Monday evening for the promulgation ceremony in the CA hall, but the head of state turned down his request for a meeting citing busy schedule. Instead, the President wanted to meet with PM Koirala first to convey his displeasure, according to sources.
President Yadav is said to have asked the CA chair that the promulgation ceremony be organised at Sheetal Niwas when the two met on Tuesday. But the parliamentary resolution passed by the political parties, clearly stating that the ceremony will take place in the CA hall at 5pm on Sunday.