The procedure is under way to approve the draft of the House of Representatives’ Regulation that was presented June 7. The tabled document holds significant implications as it not only clarifies the way for passing of bills, but also seeks to bring fundamental changes in the old rules and procedures governing the statutory bodies. By strengthening the parliament’s role by scrapping the concept of the ‘king in parliament,’ the Regulation seeks to reduce the monarch’s position to a mere ceremonial one. Also, by annulling the requirement of royal seal, the Regulation authorises the Speaker to certify the passing of any bill. In addition, the prime minister and members of the council of ministers, chief justice and other judges, chiefs and members of constitutional bodies, chiefs of security wings and other government officials are required to once again take the oath of office before a 15-member special committee.

Besides these, two provisions are noteworthy. First, a separate act would be legislated as regards the provision to appoint the successor to the throne. And second, a 15-member hearing committee would unanimously nominate the ambassadors and the heads of constitutional bodies. These are progressive innovations and once endorsed would further consolidate the gains of the democratic movement. For this, the transparency and accountability factors are equally important. Hopefully, the provision would pave the way for the appointment of the right persons in the right job. The practice of nepotism, cronyism and spoil system while critical appointments are made, one fervently hopes, is now history.