Kathmandu, April 24, 2008

Maoist leaders held consultation with heads of United Nations’ agencies, ambassadors and representatives of donor agencies at the UN House in Pulchowk today.

The consultation focused on development, restoration of peace, army integration and drafting of a new constitution in alliance with other political parties.

After the consultation, Maoist chairman Prachanda said there was some confusion in the international community regarding the CPNMaoist. “We were perceived as stubborn, which is not true. It’s time the international community changed its perception towards us.

We expect this meeting to effect that change in the international community’s perception,” he said, adding, “We expressed our commitment to multi-party democracy, peace and rapid socio-economic change in the country.” Prachanda added that the CPN-Maoist is well aware of globalisation, privatisation and foreign investment. Responding to reporters’ queries, he said special committees will simultaneously effect the integration of the Nepali Army and the People’s Liberation Army and draft a new constitution.

The Maoist chairman said they have positively evaluated UNMIN’s role during the monitoring of arms and armies and the Constituent Assembly polls. Consultations will be held with other political parties on the issue of extension of the UNMIN’s mandate, he said.

Constitutional ‘glitch’ may hinder govt formation

Kathmandu, April 24, 2008

Formation of the post-election government appears to be a complicated process due to the constitutional provision that requires backing of two thirds majority of the Constituent Assembly if major parties fail to form a consensus government.

The provision was incorporated in the interim constitution to ensure unity of the Seven-Party Alliance and to hold the CA polls at the earliest.

If the major parties reach a consensus allowing the Maoists to lead the new government, that government will not be removed without the backing of a two thirds majority of the CA. Hence, other parties are apprehensive of the Maoists forming the government.

Other parties won’t be able to muster required votes to remove the Maoists from power, nor will they be able to form a consensus government without the Maoists’ support. Formation of the post-election government looks like a distant possibility without amending the constitutional clause requiring a two thirds majority to remove the government. But the interim constitution cannot be amended without the Maoists’ consent.

“In the new context, this clause must be amended, allowing the CA to remove the government by a simple majority,” said central leader of the UML Shankar Pokharel.