Nepal’s Constitution Turns Nine: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Calls for Amendments
Kathmandu, Nepal – On the occasion of Constitution Day and National Day, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the need to amend the constitution to keep it relevant and effective. Speaking at the Republic Day celebration event at the Army Pavilion, he highlighted that the constitution should evolve with changing times.
Prime Minister’s Address
Prime Minister Oli stated, “Constitution should be made timely. It means we have to change or remove those provisions that do not go along with the changed context. I think that the constitution should be amended on the basis of letter and meaning, which would further prove the essence of change or fill the gaps that exist.”
He assured that the government would consider the concerns of all political parties, not just those in power, to resolve political instability through constitutional amendments.
Background of the Constitution
The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal was promulgated on September 20, 2015, by the Constituent Assembly. It consists of 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules, embracing principles like federal democratic republic, inclusive democracy, proportional inclusive representation, and secularism. The constitution aims to build a prosperous nation based on democratic values and norms, with a commitment to socialism.
Celebrations and Protests
As the constitution marks its ninth anniversary, a National Day musical performance is scheduled at Durbar Marg in Kathmandu. However, Madhesh-based parties, who have been protesting against the constitution, have announced they will not celebrate the day. These parties demand amendments to the constitution, which they claim restricts them from holding executive positions in the government.
The protests by Madhesh-based parties have led to significant unrest, including the death of over 100 protestors and disruptions in daily life due to border sit-ins. Despite these ongoing issues, no solution has been reached.
Doubts Revealed
Nepal -: Nepal is a country located in South Asia, just north of India. It is known for its beautiful mountains, including Mount Everest.
Constitution -: A constitution is a set of rules and principles that guide how a country is governed. It tells how the government should work and what rights people have.
KP Sharma Oli -: KP Sharma Oli is a political leader in Nepal. He has served as the Prime Minister of Nepal.
Amendments -: Amendments are changes or additions made to a document, like a constitution, to update or improve it.
Constitution Day -: Constitution Day is a special day to celebrate the adoption of a country’s constitution. In Nepal, it is celebrated on September 20.
National Day -: National Day is a day to celebrate the nation and its achievements. It often includes parades, ceremonies, and other festivities.
Promulgated -: Promulgated means officially announced or put into effect. The constitution of Nepal was promulgated on September 20, 2015.
Democratic values -: Democratic values are principles like freedom, equality, and justice that guide how a democracy works. They ensure that everyone has a say in how the country is run.
Madhesh-based parties -: Madhesh-based parties are political groups in Nepal that represent the people living in the Madhesh region, which is in the southern part of the country.
Executive positions -: Executive positions are important jobs in the government, like the Prime Minister or President, who make big decisions and run the country.
Unrest -: Unrest means a state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation in a community, often leading to protests and disruptions.