Constitution not possible by May 28: PM, Dahal

KATHMANDU, April 22: Stating that it is not possible to promulgate a full-fledged constitution within the May 28 deadline, Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday said that they are preparing to bring the draft constitution instead.



Speaking at a function an interaction program organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, PM Khanal said, “We are preparing to bring a draft constitution before May 28.”[break]

 

Stating that there are no legal restrictions on extending the CA term, Khanal said, “I feel we don´t have adequate time to take the draft constitution before the people and collect their opinions.”



Dahal said they have enough time to prepare an integrated draft of the new constitution before May 28. “We are committed to completing the peace and constitution drafting process at the earliest. However, promulgating a full-fledged constitution would not be possible in such a short time,” Dahal said.



The Maoist chairman said the integrated draft of the new constitution should be taken to the people to collect their feedbacks. “We are also committed to preparing a modality of PLA integration by May 28. The full constitution can then be promulgated by extending the CA term.”



PM Khanal said issues related to the system of governance, electoral system and state restructuring, which are more complicated, need to be resolved for the timely promulgation of the constitution. “We, however, can sort out the differences only if party leaders work seriously,” PM Khanal said.



Nepali Congress President Sushil Koiarala, who was also present at the interaction, accused PM Khanal and Dahal of trying to extend the CA´s term by befooling the people with false promises. “Promulgating the new constitution on time depends on Dahal´s commitment to the peace process,” Koirala said, adding, “The new constitution can be promulgated within a month if the Maoist leaders act responsibly.”



Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur was also of the view that the peace process can be completed on time if the current government and the Maoists work seriously.



Earlier, senior advocates Badri Bahadur Karki and Shambhu Thapa had sought leaders´ commitment to peace and constitution. Thapa had asked leaders not to sacrifice the lives of innocent Nepalis in the name of revolution.

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