Task force discusses constitutional amendment with experts in Nepal

The task force formed to prepare a discussion paper for constitutional amendment held discussions with constitutional and legal experts on Monday. The task force, coordinated by Prime Minister’s political advisor Asim Shah, conducted the discussions at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

During the discussion, task force member secretary Liladhar Subedi presented on necessary topics for constitutional amendment. He highlighted issues such as the form of governance, directly elected executive president, appointment of expert ministers, excluding MPs from ministerial roles, formation of the Cabinet, ministerial accountability, electoral system, and voting rights for citizens abroad.

Subedi also presented on improving the legislature, the roles of the National Assembly chairperson and vice-chairperson, organizing coalition culture in elections, the effectiveness of federalism, and making local governments more accountable.

Additionally, he shared topics like non-partisan or party-based local governance, an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, the appointment of the Chief Justice, qualifications, tenure, age, conduct, discipline, and the appointment of judges in the Supreme, High, and District Courts. He also discussed addressing corruption and malpractices in the judiciary, the structure of the Judicial Council, and appointing judges through competition.

Subedi emphasized the need to discuss the number of constitutional bodies, the number of officials, and how to make appointments exemplary during the presentation.

Constitutional expert Purnaman Shakya expressed that constitutional amendments should be made considering the fundamental structures of the constitution. Dr. Bipin Adhikari advocated for maintaining a full parliamentary system and granting the Prime Minister the power to dissolve Parliament.

Constitutional expert Radheshyam Adhikari stressed that the constitution serves as a bridge between citizens and the government, and thus, amendments should not be rushed but rather involve extensive discussion and debate.

Senior advocate Govinda Sharma Bandi thanked the government for initiating constitutional amendments and suggested restructuring the Judicial Council to remove the Law Minister and Nepal Bar Association member, aiming to strengthen the judiciary free from political interference.

Senior advocate Shambhu Thapa noted that while the discussion topics are relevant, they should be advanced in a manner that Parliament can accept. Senior advocate Mira Dhungana emphasized clarifying women’s rights in the constitution and increasing gender participation.

Senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai pointed out that since the task force is not recognized by the constitution, having a coordinator who is a member of the Federal Parliament would add maturity, making it easier to present the report in Parliament.

Task force coordinator Shah expressed commitment to preparing the discussion paper on constitutional amendment by considering the suggestions from task force members and esteemed experts, as informed by member secretary Subedi, who is also the head of the Law and Decision Implementation Division at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.