Nembang said that the political parties are in favor of making internal adjustments without extending the deadline for promulgation of the constitution on May 28, 2010. [break]
“We have almost reached an agreement over readjustment of time schedule. The discussion with the political parties on this matter is underway,” Nembang said at a function organized by the CA Committee on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (CFRDP) on Sunday.
While six thematic committees had submitted their documents before the sixth adjustment, the other five committees were given mid- November deadline to submit their preliminary draft reports and concept papers. However, only the CFRDP met the deadline. Other four committees are yet to prepare their preliminary draft reports.
As per the interim constitution, the deadline for the promulgation of the constitution can be extended only if there is a state of emergency in the country.
“None of us want state of emergency to be declared in the country. Hence, all the political parties must stand united to accomplish the task of writing the new constitution by the stipulated deadline,” said Nembang.
CFRDP chairperson Binda Pandey handed over the 586-page-long preliminary draft report and concept paper prepared by it to Nembang.
CA members object to UNMIN report
Meanwhile, members of Constitutional Committee (CC) in the CA expressed their objection over the UN report presented by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the UN Security Council meeting. The CA member criticized the world body “for presenting wrong information” about the CC.
“The committee has the primary responsibility within the Constituent Assembly of ensuring that a new constitution is promulgated by 28 May 2010. The Committee revised the schedule for the sixth time, giving the Assembly until 15 December to complete debates on the remaining five thematic concept papers. Subsequently, following a plenary discussion and a month-long public consultation, the Constitutional Committee will prepare the final draft. The delays have led to growing public speculation and concern that the May 2010 promulgation deadline will not be met,” the UNSG´s report said.
The members said the Secretary General´s report sent the wrong message by saying that the CC made sixth amendment in the CA calendar of events, while Business Advisory Committee of the CA is the right body entrusted with making any adjustment in the schedule.
The CA members also demanded that Representative of the Secretary-General Nepal, Karin Landgren, be summoned at the meeting for clarification.
Amendments in the past
Nov 16, 2008 - CA endorsed the schedule
Dec 29, 2008 - First amendment by the CA
Jan 6, 2009 - Second amendment by the CA
April 13, 2009 - Third amendment by the CA
April 29, 2009 - Fourth amendment by the CA
July 16, 2009 - Fifth amendment by the CA
Sept 9, 2009 - Sixth amendment by the CA
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