Kathmandu, August 18
The Nepali Congress has called for the formation of a Constitutional Amendment Recommendation Commission headed by a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court to recommend reforms while protecting the fundamental values of the Constitution.
A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee made the call, saying constitutional amendments should be pursued in line with contemporary needs while safeguarding the achievements of the Constitution.
Nepali Congress said it would continue taking initiatives to amend the Constitution to further strengthen democracy while protecting its achievements.
The party described the Constitution as a dynamic document that can be amended according to changing needs. It stressed that any amendment process must take into account public ownership, rights, representation and citizens’ trust in the state.
“Rule of law, inclusiveness and human rights are the fundamental values of the Constitution. No amendment can be made in a way that restricts these values,” Nepali Congress said in its decision.
The party also said that although the legal process for constitutional amendment falls within the jurisdiction of Parliament, public opinion must also be reflected in the process.
“For this, all-party political dialogue and participation are necessary,” the decision stated.
Nepali Congress said any constitutional amendment should therefore be pursued through broad political consultation and participation while maintaining the Constitution’s fundamental principles.
