Local Governments Express Strong Objection to Exclusion from Inter-Parliamentary Forum

Kathmandu. The National Association of Rural Municipalities Nepal and the Municipal Association of Nepal, the common organizations of local governments of Nepal, have expressed serious objection to the exclusion of local legislatures (Village Assemblies and Municipal Assemblies) from the 'Inter-Parliamentary Forum'.

Both associations have jointly issued a statement drawing attention to the disregard for local levels in the 11th conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum held in Tikapur, Sudurpashchim Province. The municipalities are disgruntled, stating that local levels were kept out in a letter addressed to the Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, and the Speakers of all seven provinces, which is against the spirit of federalism.

Against the Spirit of Federalism

The statement issued by the Federation and Association stated that the Constitution of Nepal clearly establishes Village Assemblies and Municipal Assemblies as legislatures. It further stated, 'Presenting a structure comprising only the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assemblies as the Inter-Parliamentary Forum is itself incomplete, unbalanced, and against the spirit of federalism.' The municipalities said, 'The Federal, Provincial and Local Level (Coordination and Interrelationship) Act mentions that the legislatures of all three levels are equal and complementary bodies, and a forum without the representation of local levels cannot claim legitimacy.'

Although local levels are mentioned in programs such as digital parliament, legislative institutions, parliamentary budget office, and capacity development passed by the Tikapur conference, the institutional involvement, leadership, and decision-making process of local levels have been completely excluded from these processes.

In a joint statement issued by Laxmidevi Pandey, Chairperson of the National Association of Rural Municipalities, and Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Chairperson of the Municipal Association, they said, 'This should be restructured as a common forum ensuring institutional and meaningful representation of all 753 local legislatures in the forum's statute, secretariat, leadership, and decision-making process.'

Similarly, their demand is to ensure the mandatory participation of local levels in policy and management decisions related to local levels.