Gokul Baskota Proposes Sweeping Constitutional Reforms

Kathmandu. Influential leader of the CPN-UML, Gokul Baskota, has questioned the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which previously advocated for the abolition of federalism, whether it will now stand in favor of constitutional amendment.

Writing a post on social media, Baskota has also put forward a framework that if the constitution is to be amended, there should be a radical change in the governance structure and electoral system of the state.

He has proposed ending the provincial structure and having only two levels of government in the country: the center and the local level (municipality). He argues that to reduce the administrative burden of the current three tiers, provinces should be removed and only local municipalities and the center should be strengthened.

Similarly, advocating for a major change in the structure of the legislature, Baskota has stated that the number of members of the National Assembly should be made 105 seats, and the representation of women and men should be completely equal, i.e., 50-50 percent. He has suggested making legal arrangements for the Vice President to become the Chairperson of the National Assembly in the new system.

Discussing the structure of the House of Representatives, he has demanded the complete abolition of the current proportional representation system. He believes that proportional seats should be removed and only direct elections should be held, and a direct electoral system should be implemented where 40 percent women and 60 percent men contest directly.

In addition, Baskota has stated that the District Coordination Committee (DCC) has no justification and should be abolished.