Three major political parties on Saturday appealed agitating Madhes-centric parties and other forces who stayed out of the constitution writing process to sit for talks.

A day before the scheduled promulgation of new constitution, top leaders of the major parties including Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal made a joint appeal to the disgruntled parties, assuring that they are ready to make amendments to the constitution in future.

“We can make this constitution perfect and efficient through amendments,” the top leaders said during a press conference organised on Saturday to make public their joint appeal. “We are ready for necessary amendments on province delineation as per recommendation of Federal Commission. We also want to draw your attention that some of the issues can be resolved through transformed Parliament.”

The heads of the major parties have also urged the agitating groups to be the part of celebration of constitution promulgation, describing it as a historic opportunity that Nepali people have been yearning for the last 70 years.

The leaders also assured that they would address demands of the agitating parties through peaceful dialogue in future.  “We believe only peaceful dialogue can resolve any problems. We urge all the parties who participated in the constitution writing process but walked out at last moment and those who’re out of CA to return to the negotiating table and be part of the historic moment,” they said.

Addressing the conference, PM Koirala portrayed constitution as hard-earned achievements of the people. “It’s been 70 years since we began yearning for a  constitution through elected people’s representatives. This long cherished dream is now becoming a reality. Then, why so dissatisfaction over this incredible achievement,” he said.

The prime minister also made it clear that the Army, sent to ‘riot-stricken zone’ to assist the civilian authority, will return to barracks once situation turns normal.

UML Chairman Oli said the parties are ready to make changes in demarcation of provinces even after the promulgation of new constitution and urged the agitating parties to participate in the historic ceremony on Sunday.

“Return to dialogue. Constitution is amendable and will do that if your concerns are genuine and logical,” said Oli, referring to the agitating parties.

Maoist Chairman Dahal said most of the demands raised by agitating parties, including citizenship, bases for constituency delineation and proportional representation of marginalised communities, have already been addressed while giving final touch to the constitution and they are still open to changes in demands concerning demarcation of provinces. “There is no meaningful logic and bases behind protests in Madhes,” said Dahal.

Dahal said constitutional provision to form separate commissions to address problems of marginalised and backward communities and institutionalise long-cherished dream of making Nepal a federal democratic republic, secularism and inclusiveness as biggest achievements of the latest political movement in Nepal.

“Royal families or elites may not like this constitution, but there is no reason to dislike it by progressive forces. They [agitation parties] should join the historic function being organised to promulgate the new constitution and celebrate it. I hope they will also be happy while institutionalising progressive agendas,” he said.

While the new constitution may have been endorsed by an overwhelming majority, the Madhes-centric parties walked out of the Constituent Assembly after the major political parties turned down their demands to federate the country in new constitution. The leaders representing southern plains bordering India say big parties’ decision on federalism has diluted their rights and weakened their strength by splitting their electorates into various provinces.

They have been objecting provisions concerning citizenship and representation of marginalised communities in state mechanisms.

Remaining lawmakers urged to sign document

Having completed all preparations for the promulgation of new constitution, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang has urged those lawmakers who have not yet signed the document to do so before its official unveiling by President Ram Baran Yadav at 5pm on Sunday.

“CA members will have the chance of putting their signatures on the historical document anytime until 4pm on Sunday,” Nembang said. Out of 598 CA members, 537 have already signed the document. According to CA Secretariat, President Yadav will deliver a brief speech after the promulgation. CA Chair Nembang will then thank all stakeholders for their efforts during the constitution drafting process. The CA will then be converted into Parliament.