PM to make it a unilateral decision if consensus fails

 

Kathmandu December 30

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba could try to forge consensus on the names of  governors of the seven provinces or unilaterally choose names if the CPN-UML remained adamant on the issue.

A source said the PM was ready to take unilateral action if the UML — which says governors should be appointed by the new government — continued to stick to its position.

The prime minister’s media expert Govinda Pariyar said the PM was likely to hold dialogue with UML and CPN-MC leaders on Tuesday or Wednesday to settle the issue and take the proposal for Cabinet endorsement on Thursday.

The governors’ first job will be  to administer oath of office and secrecy to 550  members of provincial assemblies.

Sources said the NC and CPN-MC favoured appointing the seven governors on the basis of consensus while the UML wanted the new government to appoint them. Sources said if the UML did not go for quota formula, the PM could name NC loyalists as governors.

Sources said the three major parties could propose  two names for governor each and Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal and Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal  could choose one name.

UML leader Agni Kharel said the current government did not have authority to appoint governors.

“Governors function as links between federal and provincial governments. They represent the federal government and play important role in managing state affairs and ensuring checks and balances in provinces,” Kharel said.

CPN-MC Chair Pushpa Kamal  Dahal’s Private Secretary Jokha Bahadur Mahara said the next task would be to forge consensus among parties on appointment of governors.

The Election Commission is working on the schedule of the National Assembly election. Based on the EC schedule and its suggestions, the government will announce the date of National Assembly Election.

Members of provincial assemblies will be members of the electoral college for the National Assembly and members of provincial assemblies can vote only after senior-most members of provincial assemblies — who are sworn in by governors — swear them in.