Nepal PM hopeful of drafting new constitution

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Sunday expressed confidence that all parties would agree to the new Nepalese constitution that would ensure the rights of all, as the government announced a two-day public holiday to ensure maximum public participation in its first drafting.

A cabinet meeting on Friday declared July 21 and July 22 as public holiday to ensure maximum public participation in interaction on the constitution drafting, a senior minister said. The preliminary draft has been sent to the people in order to solicit their suggestions on the provisions of the proposed constitution.

Koirala on Sunday expressed confidence that all the parties would agree to the new constitution that would ensure the rights of all.

Since every political party leader is concerned about the country that has lagged behind due to political instability and lack of peace, a way out would be reached soon, he said while addressing a programme here.

Nepalese missions abroad are also entrusted to seek feedback from migrants through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Constituent Assembly (CA) members have already reached their respective constituencies across the country for collecting public opinion on the draft constitution. More than 590 lawmakers and 150 staffers from CA secretariat have been mobilised for the collection of feedback on the draft constitution, with top leaders pledging to engage in public hearings in their respective constituencies.

On July 9, the full House of CA had endorsed a 15-day action plan to gather public opinion on the draft constitution.

Nepal’s Drafting Committee had endorsed the first draft of the long-pending constitution for the first time in June 29. The four major parties representing more than 90 per cent seats of the CA had reached the landmark agreement on June 8 in the wake of the April 25 earthquake that caused widespread devastation.