• Of the 532 Constituent Assembly members present, 507 voted in support of charter • 25 RPP-N members voted against it

Kathmandu, September 16

Second Constituent Assembly today endorsed “Nepal’s Constitution” with overwhelming two-thirds majority. The constitution will come into effect after President Ram Baran Yadav announces the commencement of the new constitution at 5:00pm on September 20 during the last meeting of the CA.

Of 598 CA members, including CA Chair Subas Chandra Nembang, only 532 took part in the voting and of those present 507 voted in support and 25 from Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal voted against the charter. To meet two-thirds majority, 399 votes were required.

“The 70-year-old dream of people was fulfilled today. It is not only the victory of Nepali people but also the victory of Nepal’s independence. It is also the victory of thousands of martyrs who sacrificed their life and fought for this achievement. I congratulate all Nepalis. It is not an ordinary achievement. We have drafted the federal democratic republic constitution and

I request all those who are opposing this process to come together and revise the new constitution through constitution amendments. It is not a religious document and can be modified.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Who all boycotted the voting process

•    Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum- Democratic  — 14

•    Tarai Madhes Democratic Party  — 11

•    Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal  — 15

•    Sadbhawana Party — 6

•    Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party  — 3

•    National Madhes Socialist Party  — 3

•    Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Republican  — 1

•    Nepal Sadbhawana Party  — 1

•    Tharuhat Tarai Party-Nepal  — 2

•    Sanghiye Loktantrik Rastriya Manch-Tharuhat — 1

•    Chandreswor Jha — Independent CA member — 1

•    UCPN-M CA member Prabhu Sah — 1

•    Meghraj Nepali –Madhes Samata Party Nepal — 1

•    Total: 60

Absentees

1.    Biswendra Paswan of Bahujan Shakti Party

2.    Pradip Giri of Nepali Congress

3.    Shila Khadka of Nepali Congress

4.    Rajya Laxmi Golchha of CPN-UML

5.    Laxman Rajbanshi-Nepa Rastriya Party

•    Total present: 532

• CA’s strength 532+60+5+1 (CA Chair) =598