Nepali Congress Demands Clarity on Constitution Amendment Task Force Mandate

Kathmandu. The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has questioned the government regarding the jurisdiction, scope, and role of the task force formed to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendments. Krishna Prasad Dulal, Acting Chief Secretary of the Congress Central Office, sent a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Wednesday, raising concerns about the task force's mandate.

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Constitution Amendment Task Force: Congress sends letter without sending representative, seeks clarity from government on 4 issues

The government had formed a task force led by Ashim Shah, the chief political advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, to prepare the constitutional amendment discussion paper. The task force had requested a representative from the Congress to attend a meeting on Wednesday.

Instead of sending a representative, the Congress presented its party stance via a letter, seeking initial clarity on the task force's authority. The government had sent a letter on Chaitra 18 requesting the nomination of a Congress representative.

In the letter signed by Acting Chief Secretary Dulal, it is stated, 'The Nepali Congress welcomes the government's prioritization of this issue, as broad discussion and consensus are necessary before constitutional amendments.' The letter notes that the Congress considers the constitution, promulgated under its leadership in 2072, a historic achievement.

The Congress maintains that while it is clear that amending, revising, and updating the constitution as it reaches its 10th anniversary is a natural democratic process, it must not compromise the core values of democracy, republicanism, federalism, civil supremacy, multi-party parliamentary system, separation of powers, independent judiciary, freedom of expression and press, rule of law, proportional inclusive principles, open society, and human rights.

The Congress acknowledged in the letter that some amendments are necessary to make the democratic process result-oriented, the constitution more inclusive, and to ensure its dynamic implementation, good governance, and effective service delivery. While pledging support and cooperation, the party stated that further clarity is needed regarding the task force's jurisdiction, scope, and role before nominating a representative.

The Congress also requested the government's stance on making the debate participatory, inclusive, and fair. The party demands that agreements made to establish ownership of the constitution during the difficult transition period following the armed conflict must be kept in mind.

The Congress mentioned that the government must be clear on its relationship and coordination with political parties outside the Federal Parliament, how to involve communities and regions struggling for identity—such as Madhesi, Indigenous-Janajati, Tharu, Dalit, and minorities—and the participation of provincial and local governments.

Furthermore, the letter states that in the context of a government formed under the leadership of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the government and its leading party must clarify their commitment and stance regarding the current constitution, its fundamental values, and the proposed subjects for amendment.