Directly-elected PM can be a rallying point: Khanal

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal today said the UML-proposed directly-elected prime minister, along with ceremonial president, could be a meeting point to reach consensus on forms of governance.

Exchanging greetings with the media fraternity on the occasion of New Year 2069 Bikram Sambat, Khanal claimed that the provision of directly-elected prime minister would ensure political stability and the provision of ceremonial President would end the possibility of dictatorship in the country.

“Nepal is plagued by prolonged political instability and autocracy since the fall of Rana Regime in 1950 and both were detrimental to economic prosperity,” Khanal said, adding, “We, therefore, have proposed the directly-elected prime minister and ceremonial president to ensure stability and to end the possibility of dictatorship.”

The parties are required to reach consensus on all contentious constitutional issues within next four days if the CA Business Advisory Committee decision is to be adhered to.

Khanal, however, said they were ready for “give-and-take’ to adopt new constitution by May 27, the deadline set by the Constituent Assembly in line with the Supreme Court’s November 25 ruling.

Khanal said New Year 2069 BS would be a “turning point” in Nepal’s political history as the new constitution, which would be adopted by May 27, would institutionalise the hard-earned achievements of Janaandolan II.

Although the year 2068 BS largely remained unproductive on peace and constitution-drafting fronts, Khanal said the last days of the year regenerated hope that the new constitution would be drafted on schedule as a major task of the peace process – management of the Maoist combatants – had been accomplished amicably.

“We need to focus on drafting new constitution within the remaining 44 days,” Khanal said.

He said one of the toughest jobs that lay ahead was restructuring the state on federal lines, which, he said, should be accomplished as per the five elements of identity and four elements of economic capability. Ethnicity, language, culture, geographical and historical continuity of settlements and their density are five elements of identity. Economic capability, condition and potential of infrastructure, availability of natural resources and means and administrative accessibility are four elements of economic capability. These principles were set by the CA thematic committee on State Restructuring and Distribution of State Power.

Khanal said there should be no constitutional discrimination against man and woman on obtaining or relinquishing Nepali citizenship certificates, an issue that has generated debate among the political stakeholders. He said all the political parties and people should focus on economic revolution after the promulgation of new constitution.

Pradip Gyawali, chief of UML’s publicity department, which organised the New Year reception at the party headquarters, Balkhu, called upon the media to maintain friendly relations with political parties till the new constitution is drafted.