Kathmandu, May 6: The taskforce constituted to prepare a discussion paper for the constitution amendment on Wednesday held a consultation with ex-Attorney Generals and legal experts.
The taskforce headed by Prime Minister’s political advisor Asim Shah held the discussion at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Attending the discussion, former Attorney Generals aired their opinions on several issues, including the forms of governance, electoral system, federal structure, restructuring of the judiciary, number of constitutional bodies, and inclusivity.
Former Attorney General Dr Yubaraj Sangraula suggested to the taskforce to clearly define the purpose and necessity of constitutional amendments. He indicated possibility of making local level non-partisan, having province chiefs directly elected, and necessity to study some international practices.
Another, former Attorney General Sabita Bhandari highlighted the importance of mindset and conducts in implementing the constitution or law, while ruling out necessity to change the existing form of governance.
She said Nepalis living abroad should be given voting rights; number of provinces should be reduced; duplication in ministries should be removed and merged, and structure of the Judicial Council and parliamentary hearings could also be reconsidered.
Former Attorney General Raman Kumar Shrestha recommended a system of directly elected executive chief, stressing that members of parliament should not become ministers, the judiciary needs restructuring, and the necessity of constitutional benches should be reconsidered.
Likewise, former Attorney General Mahadev Prasad Yadav opined that the ethics of leadership would be important in the implementation of the constitution and state-building. He suggested reviewing the number of constitutional commissions.
Former Attorney General Mukti Narayan Pradhan emphasized the need to protect current rights while ensuring additional rights. He suggested the system of directly elected executive chief, accountability to parliament, restructuring of the judiciary, and strengthening the High Court.
Former Attorney General Agni Prasad Kharel underlined the need of a clear political positioning regarding the system of governance.
Also speaking on the occasion, Constituent Assembly member Suresh Ale Magar, House of Representatives member Parshuram Tamang, and former Law Secretary Rajib Gautam recommended to the taskforce to lay emphasis on leadership and honesty of officials for institutional efficiency, include the international agreements, along with the issues of Madhesi, Muslim and indigenous communities during constitution amendment debate and review the representational framework and reconsider the number of constitutional commissions.
Taskforce coordinator Shah clarified that the concept of statute amendment after 10 years, growing debate among political parties, and demand for ending corruption and keeping good governance brought about by Gen Z Uprising promoted the need for constitutional amendment.
He promised to take into consideration the suggestions received while preparing the discussion paper.
