Nepal Constitutional Reform Committee Submits Report

A constitutional reform committee in Nepal has submitted its report to the government, sparking debate and discussion on the proposed changes.

The committee, led by Prime Minister Balen Shah’s chief political advisor, Asim Shah, has suggested that the country adopt a directly elected executive system to ensure political stability.

Key Recommendations

The report proposes a directly elected executive head, similar to a president, who would be responsible for forming the government.

It also suggests reducing the number of members in the federal parliament and provincial assemblies to 165.

The committee recommends that the National Assembly be made proportional and the Provincial Assembly be restructured into a council.

The council would comprise the heads and deputy heads of local governments, who would also serve as members of the National Assembly.

The report also proposes that the Speaker of the National Assembly be given a role similar to that of the current Vice President.

Other Proposals

The committee has also suggested merging the seven constitutional commissions into a single inclusive commission.

It proposes that the local level be made non-partisan and that the current district coordination committee be abolished.

The report also recommends clarifying the definition of special and protected areas in the constitution.

Reaction

The report’s submission has sparked debate, with some parties welcoming the proposals and others expressing reservations.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party, which has been advocating for a directly elected executive system, has welcomed the report’s recommendations.

However, some parties have expressed concerns about the proposed changes, particularly with regard to the restructuring of the provincial assembly.

The committee’s report is expected to be discussed in parliament in the coming days.