Press Release on Promulgation of Constitution

The Nepali people have overwhelmingly acclaimed the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, which was declared by Rt. Honorable President on September 20, 2015, following its adoption by the Constituent Assembly. With the conclusion of this process, the long-cherished aspiration of the Nepalese people to write a constitution for themselves has been fulfilled. Out of 598 Constituent Assembly members then existed, 537 signed the constitution, signifying their association with this historic process. Over 92 per cent CA members participated in the process when the bill of constitution was put on voting for adoption.

The Constituent Assembly, with 601 members, itself reflects the diversity of various backward regions and ethnic, religious, cultural and social groups including madheshi, adibashis janjatis, dalits, muslims.The constitution drafting went through a long process, nearly eight years, characterized by inclusivity, participation, transparency and openness. This is the largest democratic exercise Nepal has ever had in its political and constitutional history.

The Government left no stone unturned to bring all stakeholders on board to resolve some of the key issues that proved difficult during the course of constitution writing. Republicanism, federalism with delineation of provincial boundaries, secularism and religious freedom, separation of power, political pluralism and competitive parliamentary system of governance, rule of law, independent judiciary, human rights and proportional inclusion are enshrined in the Constitution. The debate and discussion on these issues took considerable amount of time and energy to seek a compromise.

In a society like ours that is so diverse in terms of religion, culture, ethnicity and geography, any constitution cannot satisfy everyone’s demand in entirety. Given the vast diversity of Nepal and representation of political parties even with diametrically opposite political views and non-majority situation in the Constituent Assembly, promulgation of the Constitution was possible only by reaching compromise with broadest possible consensus.

The major political parties represented in the Constituent Assembly made concrete efforts towards concluding the constitution writing process even when the country was badly devastated by the April 25 earthquake and its powerful aftershocks. It is evidently clear that the early promulgation of the new constitution was an imperative to end protracted transition, which has cost the country a lot in terms of political stability, economic development and social progress. Moreover, its promulgation is a historic achievement and a milestone to preserve and institutionalize democratic gains that the people of Nepal achieved over the years through historical people’s struggles and movements.

The Government of Nepal sincerely extends its cordial thanks with appreciation to the neighbors and all friendly countries and the international community who have rendered their valuable support to the Nepali people in the constitution making process in the past and now have welcomed the promulgation of the new constitution.

The leader and the people of Nepal are cognizant of the fact that some groups still harbor dissatisfaction with some of the provisions of the constitution. The Government and Nepali political parties have repeatedly called for dialogue and expressed their commitment to address the genuine concerns of any group through appropriate process recognizing the fact that the constitution itself is a dynamic document and could be amended for the genuine cause of the people. The Government of Nepal has also been appealing to all concerned to seek the solution of all problems peacefully in the best interest of Nepal, its people and democracy. The Government is always fully committed to the principles of human rights while dealing with the violent and aggressive agitators too. However, the Government is also cognizant of the rights and duties of all democratic sovereign states and it is equally essential to maintain law and order and to protect the life and property of the people in all circumstances.

While the Government of Nepal is determined to address law and order situation in parts of Nepal, it underlines the fact that there does not exist any serious threat to disrupt the movement of goods and services and other essential supplies within the territory of Nepal. It expresses the hope that the people of Nepal will not be affected by any shortage of essential items during impending festivities.

The Government of Nepal believes that the promulgation of the new constitution and the political development that has evolved through painstaking democratic process will further contribute to the warm and cordial relations that we enjoy with close neighbors, other friendly countries and the international community.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu

September 23, 2015