The ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists have finalized the interim constitution draft early Saturday morning. They agreed to transfer all authorities of the head of state to the prime minister during the transitional period. However, The King still resides at the Royal Palace.
Intense debate over the Kings’ position could not change the existing situation; the parties arrived at a consensus not to mention anything on the status of the King, who has been already stripped of all powers, until the constituent assembly decides the fate of monarchy.
Top SPA and Maoist leaders finalized the 168-article the interim constitution which will, however, come into force only after the Maoists disarms or the management of arms completes. The arms management process includes cantoning the Maoist army, verification of their arms, locking up arms in containers and installing electronic devices by the UN.
As per the new constitution, all the people born before or residing in Nepal since the 1990 movement will be regarded as Nepali citizens. This may be a controversial issue.
Although the Maoists have been insisting to replace the existing national animal cow with something else but they agreed to the traditional national symbols including national animal the Cow. All most all the Maoists are in favor of slaughtering the cow. In Nepal traditionally cow has been regarded as the symbol of goddess and is worshiped. A law is intact against Killing and eating cow meat.
As per Saturday's agreement, the rights to education, healthcare and employment are addressed in the directive principles of the state policies and will be guaranteed through separate laws.
The present parliament restored last April will promulgate the draft new constitution while an interim legislature after inclusion of ‘non-elected’ Maoists will endorse it.
Many observers believe that there can be a tacit understanding between all political forces regarding the position of the King in the new Nepal. Therefore, the present draft Constitution is silent on the head of the state. The King might stay as a ceremonial Person without any political say.
