KATHMANDU, MAY 22

Speaker of House of Representatives (HoR) Agni Prasad Sapkota has said President Bidya Devi Bhandari's decision to dissolve House of Representatives is against the spirit of Constitution of Nepal.

Issuing a statement today, Speaker Sapkota stated that his attention has been drawn towards the latest political developments in the country, particularly in relation to President Bidya Devi Bhandari's unconstitutional and undemocratic move of dissolving the HoR acting at the behest of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday mid-night.

'The unprecedented move is against the political struggle and verdict of the apex court which had annulled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's earlier move of dismantling the parliament on December 20, 2020, ' Sapkota stated.

According to article 76 (5) there is a provision of appointing the Prime Minister given that the requirements to form a new govt are fulfilled.

However, the President's decision to proceed with the decision despite an alternative being provided does not appear to be constitutional, he added.

Meanwhile, the speaker called on all democratic forces to stand united for constitutional supremacy and for national wellbeing. Moreover, he mentioned that controlling the looming second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic should be the top priority of the nation, however, the current political limbo will fade the efforts and put people at greater risk while also adding to the financial burden, he concluded.