Nepal has been passing through a phase of political uncertainty. In the absence of the Constituent Assembly (CA) or elected representative body, there is a possibility of more political anarchy. In this regard, revival of the CA is the best and least harmful way to settle the present political stalemate.  Even if we want to hold the elections, there is the need of amendment to certain provisions of the Interim Constitution. For the amendment of the Interim Constitution, there is the need to revive the CA. Nobody has the right to amend the constitution. The Election Commission has already made it clear that it cannot hold the elections without amendment of certain electoral laws. In this context, we are demanding the revival of CA for a brief period to make necessary arrangements.


We have already started consultations with CA members representing various political parties. Overwhelming majority of members of dissolved CA hold the view that the revived CA can promulgate the new constitution. At a time when the country has been passing through very critical political crisis and no political party wants to go to elections, revival of CA is a very viable option. Since we have completed almost 95 percent of the job in writing the constitution, it will take just a brief time to complete a few remaining agenda like restructuring of state. There will be ‘give and take’ among various stake holders, including on the agenda of identity based or geography based provinces.


One of the prerequisites in the present political stalemate is the resignation of Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai. This is a caretaker government, and the president has to constitute an all-party national government in place of the present government. After the resignation of Prime Minister Bhattarai, political consensus will automatically begin. The prime minister’s resignation will also pave the way for the revival for the CA and the making of the new constitution.


The president can play a very important role in the present political crisis. We have already requested the president to dismiss the present caretaker government and invite the leaders of major political parties to form the national consensus government. As CPN-UML and Maoists have already formed the government, Nepali Congress should be given a chance to lead the next government. Only Nepali Congress can bring the new constitution now. 


I don’t think the court will intervene in case, there is a political consensus to revive the Constituent Assembly. This is also an easy political solution which is less harmful than other options. This is the reason we are pursuing the cause for the revival of dissolved the CA.


Shrestha is a NC Central Committee Member


(As told to New Spotlight)