KATHMANDU, JULY 20
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has emphasized that proportional representation must be ensured within the direct election system.
He made the statement while receiving a memorandum submitted by a delegation led by Bhakta Bishwakarma, Chairperson of the Nepal Voter Rights Forum, at his residence in Budhanilkantha today. The memorandum pertained to proposed amendments to the draft of the Bill to Amend and Consolidate Laws Related to Elections.
President Deuba stated that proportional representation within direct elections is essential as it ensures a direct connection with the people.
"I will hold consultations with my party and other political parties regarding the proposed amendments to the election bill," said the former Prime Minister. "The direct election system is the foundation for engaging with the public, and inclusive participation must be embedded within it."
The 21-point memorandum submitted by Bishwakarma underscored the importance of inclusion, particularly advocating that at least 50 percent of candidates in direct elections to the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies should be women, reflecting the population ratio.
The memorandum also rejected a proposed provision to replace Dalit women with minority women, stating that such a move would deprive Dalit women of their constitutional right to political participation and urged the immediate withdrawal of the clause.
Furthermore, the memorandum demanded that under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system, 50 percent of constituencies be reserved for women and 13 percent for Dalits, through a rotational mechanism for constituency allocation.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)
