E-Paper
New Nepal constitution unlikely to be on time
It’s an open secret that would become official in few weeks. Nepal is almost certain to miss the May 28 deadline for adopting a new constitution.
It’s an open secret that would become official in few weeks. Nepal is almost certain to miss the May 28 deadline for adopting a new constitution.
With just 10 weeks remaining for completion of the constitution-drafting process and loads of work left to be done, political parties agree, albeit in hushed tones, that it’s impossible to meet the deadline.
“Every major party agrees that the constitution will not get drafted on time. But no one is admitting it publicly for fear of becoming unpopular among the masses,” said a senior Nepali Congress leader.
Earlier this month the Constitutional Committee failed to submit the first draft of the constitution on time and till date only two of the 10 thematic committees have submitted their reports.
The calendar of the constitution-drafting process has been amended 10 times due to delay. However, the May 28 deadline has remained unchanged.
While political compulsions are stopping parties from admitting the inevitable, the interim constitution is most likely to be amended to extend the constitution drafting deadline of the Constituent Assembly. The deadline can be extended by 6 months if the constitution drafting process is incomplete.
