Constitution Day puts Nepal’s constitutional future in focus

Nepal marked the 11th anniversary of its constitution on Saturday with political leaders calling for its core achievements to be protected while differing over how the charter should evolve. President Ramchandra Paudel called for full implementation of the constitution, while Prime Minister Balendra Shah said his government was committed to upholding it in both letter and spirit. Leaders of major political parties, however, placed varying emphasis on constitutional review, possible amendments and translating its guarantees into improvements in people’s daily lives. The constitution, promulgated on September 20, 2015, established a federal democratic republic and enshrined fundamental rights, inclusive and proportional representation and a federal system of government. Addressing a Constitution Day ceremony at the President’s office in Sheetal Niwas, Paudel said the constitution had laid the foundation for civil liberties, the rule of law, inclusive representation and social, cultural and economic transformation.

He called for full compliance with its provisions, greater accountability in public administration, more effective constitutional bodies and easier access to justice. “Democracy will be strengthened only when we establish a culture of respecting disagreement, learning from criticism and making the state accountable to the people,” Paudel said. The head of the state said the constitution should be viewed not simply as a written document but as a shared commitment to citizens’ aspirations, expectations and rights. This year’s Constitution Day is marked as Nepal deals with the aftermath of the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26. President Paudel called for a united effort to provide relief, rescue and rehabilitation to those affected, while stressing the need for transparent, accountable and results-oriented government.

At a separate ceremony at Tundikhel, Prime Minister Shah said the government was committed to implementing the constitution and its underlying principles. “However good a constitution may be, it becomes a piece of paper if those entrusted with implementing it are not honest and continuously active,” Shah said. “This is the beginning, not the end.” He said the government’s priorities included ending discrimination and inequality, promoting development and prosperity, and building a more equitable society based on social justice.

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