The government on Thursday issued a statement defending the contents of the new constitution.

According to the statement, the Constituent Assembly, with 601 members, itself reflects the diversity of various backward regions and ethnic, religious, cultural and social groups, including Madhesis, Adivasi Janjatis, Dalits and Muslims.

The government said that the constitution drafting went through a long process, nearly eight years, characterised by inclusivity, participation, transparency and openness, making it the largest democratic exercise Nepal has ever had in its political and constitutional history.

 “Republicanism, federalism with delineation of provincial boundaries, secularism and religious freedom, separation of power, political pluralism and competitive parliamentary system of governance, rule of law, independent judiciary, human rights and proportional inclusion are enshrined in the constitution. The debate and discussion on these issues took considerable amount of time and energy to seek a compromise,” the statement said.

“The government of Nepal believes that the promulgation of the new constitution and the political development that has evolved through painstaking democratic process will further contribute to the warm and cordial relations that we enjoy with close neighbours, other friendly countries and the international community.”

Noting that Nepali society is diverse in terms of religion, culture, ethnicity and

geography, the government said it was impossible to

satisfy everyone’s demand in entirety.

The government, however, maintained that given the vast diversity of Nepal and representation of political parties even with diametrically opposite political views and non-majority situation in the Constituent Assembly, promulgation of the constitution was possible only by reaching compromise with broadest possible consensus.

It is evidently clear that the early promulgation of the new constitution was an imperative to end protracted transition, which has cost the country a lot in terms of political stability, economic development and social progress, the statement said.

“Moreover, its promulgation is a historic achievement and a milestone to preserve and institutionalise democratic gains that the people of Nepal achieved over the years through historical people’s struggles and movements.”

Thanking to the international community for their support, the government extended its cordial thanks and appreciation to the neighbours and all friendly countries and the international community who for their valuable support to the Nepali people in the constitution making process and its promulgation.

“The leader and the people of Nepal are aware of the fact that some groups still harbour dissatisfaction with some of the provisions of the constitution. The government and Nepali political parties have repeatedly called for dialogue and expressed their commitment to address the genuine concerns of any group through appropriate process recognising the fact that the constitution itself is a dynamic document and could be amended for the genuine cause of the people,” the statement said.

The government, according to the statement, is wholly committed to the principles of human rights while dealing with the violent and aggressive agitators too. “However, the government is also cognizant of the rights and duties of all democratic sovereign states and it is equally essential to maintain law and order and to protect the life and property of the people in all circumstances.”