In the programme on “Timely Constitution: A Civic Concern” civil society leaders cast their doubts on the political parties’ promulgation of the new constitution within the stipulated time.

Almost one and a half years have elapsed since the Constituent Assembly was formed. However, the political parties do not seem to have envisioned the model of governance, republican system and federalism. Constitution making has been their secondary agenda, for they are deeply indulged in their petty political interests.

Nepali Congress Central Committee Member Arjun Narasingh K. C. stressed that his party is ready to make the constitution on time. “Our party has agreed to integrate the People’s Liberation Army into Nepal Army. However, it doesn’t mean the integration of all. The qualified ones will be duly integrated while others will be rehabilitated.” He said civil supremacy exists only in the rule guided by ideology.

Keshab Badal, Politburo Member of Communist Party of Nepal (UML), said his party is committed to making the new constitution on time for the welfare of the people. Taking reference to the case of South Africa, he stressed that the agreement of all the parties in the key issues will ease the constitution drafting process.

Dr Arjun Karki, Immediate Past President of NFN, focused that the Constituent Assembly should be allowed to work uninterruptedly on its great mission. It should be able to address the issues and concerns of the people rather than that of a particular party. Likewise, Gauri Pradhan, former president of NFN and member of National Human Rights Commission, pointed out that the political parties have not made the constitution making their primary agenda. Anarchy prevails in the society because of the lack of rule of law which the political parties should be aware of.

Human rights activist Charan Prasain’s emphasis was on the formation of common conceptual ground. The constitution making process is in a snail’s pace, Malla K Sunder said, because Constituent Assembly lacks the representation of civil society. In the programme chaired by Dr Netra Prasad Timsina, NFN President, other speakers included Dr Mathura Shrestha, Prof. Birendra Mishra, Prof. Shihsir Sthapit, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Soma Rai, Tej Kumari Khatri, Sarba Raj Khadka, Sumaya Rai, Krishna Kumari Waiba and many others.