Suman Lamichhane
Bochum, Germany
The political development of the last few years had compelled me to believe in the "propaganda" that the constitution will not be written any time soon. The April 25 disaster had further intensified my doubt, because then everyone's focus suddenly shifted to rehabilitation and reconstruction. But now that we have the Constitution of Nepal 2015 at hand, I'm overwhelmed that our collective dream of seeing some stability in our country has been realized.
I had been planning for about a year to come back and start my own business, but I hesitated due to the ongoing instability. So the promulgation of the historic document has given me (and many more youth abroad) one good reason to come back home to Nepal.
Nonetheless, I don't expect this turn of events to bring about drastic changes. I have little doubt that politics will continue to keep the country at a standstill in the coming days. I have also not been able to decide whether the constitution will facilitate social and economic development, or the same old corrupted system and hunger for power will make change impossible. Protests might continue and many political debates are bound to happen, but the constitution has given us a new hope and instilled the belief that change is now inevitable.
Vikram Upadhyay
Geneva, Switzerland
In all honesty, I'm not a fan of this constitution. After eight years of trying and failing, we finally managed to draft a constitution, but clearly by putting half of our population under the gun. This is just silly to me. Constitution is supposed to be for everyone. Although I'm glad that some of the issues like secularism and citizenship have finally been settled, it was a stupid decision to pass the constitution while the main issue of federal states was still under heated debate. It would probably have been best to turn our five development regions into states, but given the history of bias against the Madhesi people in our governmental systems, we can't really blame them for asking for separate state and hence some self-governance.
We managed to talk out all other issues, except the issues of Madhesi and Tharu people. This clearly shows how biased our politics is against the marginalized communities of Nepal. This was very short-sighted of our leaders. The situation now is only going to get worse. The Madhesi people have had a revolution before, and won't hesitate to start another one. We are going to have a new PM in a week they say, and most probably it's going to be Oli, who has demonstrated his racism towards the Madhesi people in several occasions. I don't see a peaceful Nepal for a while now, but I really hope that the top leaders succumb to international pressure and do away with the use of force in Tarai, give up their selfish motives, and get serious about solving the issues in the plains. This has already cost our economy a great deal and I hope this new constitution and our short sighted leaders don't throw the country into a deep, dark hole.
Rashmi Thapaliya
Oklahoma, USA
The Constituent Assembly (CA) of Nepal finally promulgating the new constitution is good news. And the fact that two-thirds majority endorsed the bill is an even more uplifting news. I hope the constitution will be amended time and again keeping in mind the need of the situation and include the diverse ethnic groups of Nepal guaranteeing everybody’s rights. The three major parties should work with the agitating parties who are protesting in the southern plains of the country to ensure that the new constitution doesn’t make anyone feel left out. The new constitution had been long overdue and finally the political parties have delivered what they have promised, and that a big reason to celebrate. I hope the new constitution will start a new era of peace, development and prosperity in Nepal. May this be the start of the new Nepal that we all have long been talking about.
Prianka Rauniyar
Washington, USA
For someone who views politics as a spectator sport, the Nepali constitution is written by those in power to solidify their power. It reminds me of "Tyranny of the Majority", a phrase coined by Alexis de Tocqueville in the 19th century. The self-explanatory term exalts the influential in both the political and social context by ignoring the individual while protecting the mass. Not to sound academic, but it deeply resonates in the context of Nepali women, Tharus, Madhesis and the Janjaatis, who find themselves cornered as minorities.
It's a momentous day that after eight years we finally have a constitution but, I would have rather lit candles in solidarity to those forty odd who lost their lives fighting to get a fundamental right to representation and to the thousands of woman migrants either as workers or victims of trafficking whose children would be rendered stateless without a Nepali father.
Yes, we can get an amendment and incorporate the minorities' demands, but why is it that this had to wait? Because we continue to encourage the caste bias, the patriarchal mindset and trade inclusiveness for fulfilling myopic and selfish electoral interests. They tout that the provinces are designed to focus on economic development but that development without social justice and equal opportunity will only encourage tyranny. If you ask the cynical me, especially after the earthquake that pushed us back by decades, it will soon be a simmering pot for the next guerrilla warfare.
Khusbu Mishra
Ohio, USA
The whole of the Southern Plain has been closed for over 40 days in which over 40 have been killed, including eight police and civilians (including women and children). The interim constitution had promised 58% representation of the traditionally marginalized but now only guarantees 45%. Women who make up 51% of the population have also been put to a disadvantage, especially in terms of single women to pass their citizenship to children. Gender discrimination becomes further clear since if the mother is Nepali, her children cannot become Nepali unless the man first takes Nepali citizenship but if the father is Nepali, his children can become Nepali regardless of the wife's nationality. This will further marginalize Madhesi communities in eastern Tarai, amidst existing discrimination by the state, because of many cross-border marriages with Indians. For a state that did not even address the ongoing tension in Tarai, I can only hope that it will address grievances of its citizens soon.
No-one to guide
Sudeep Ghimire
Andhra Pradesh, India
Of all things, what I feel bad about the constitution is the decision to divide the country in different federal states. I think it is just a waste of time, money and resources. I think people back home are inspired by India to come to this conclusion, but I don’t see any advantages for our country. With all that has been said and done, I think compromise is our only solution. However, I think that it was a bold step when the constitution was promulgated against the will of India. It’s obvious that political bigwigs don’t have a good reputation among the citizens now, with all the violence that we’ve seen in the past month. It’s only right that we express what we feel, but we should be conscious of not violating anyone’s right in search of ours. It is pretty difficult to hear about all the ups and downs in this situation, but I was certainly happy when the constitution was declared, as we have been waiting for so many years. I’m positive that we will get on the right track sooner or later and the country will run smoothly.
Arogya Koirala
Bangalore, India
I think most of the tension around the constitution arises from the fact that many people see it as the final document that is going to dictate how Nepal is going to function for the next hundred years. However this is hardly true for any constitution in the world, because there exists something called “amendments.” It’s like writing an essay, or making a song. We need to accept the fact that this is something like a first draft. I feel the government needs to reassure the people that what they have rolled out is just the first version of the final book that they are writing, and also ensure that adequate provisions will be made to make sure everyone's voice is heard in the long run.
I would also like to urge my fellow citizens to understand that just by rolling out one version of the constitution Nepal has finally overcome the initial inertia. For years we had nothing, now we finally have something. Basically, this is not the final thing. Yes, it’s far away from perfect but we just need to accept that and make it better together.
Amrit Pariyar
Denmark
Without proportional and inclusive representation of all the marginalized people and ethnic group like Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi, and Tharu no economic revolution is possible.
Hopefully the new constitution answers all the genuine demands of the long suppressed people and dissident groups. I believe the new constitution will be able to find a common ground for all sorts of contentious issues and provide equal opportunities for all people.
The mainstreaming of socially excluded people in the national economy of the country will help in achieving the ultimate growth, peace and prosperity of the country, which we have been devoid of for many years now. I believe that the start of a peaceful and prosperous Nepal begins with the new constitution.
Ramesh Gurung
Colorado, USA
Promulgation of the new constitution has been a milestone for all Nepalis, including those living abroad. Notably, the new constitution has included several new aspects that promise to fulfill the gaps of modern thoughts and dreams of the Nepali mass. Constitution is the supreme law of a nation. It’s the roadmap that will show us the way and safeguard us. We need to preserve this glorious achievement and not become regressive from here on. We have created history but how we implement the changes remains to be seen.
Implementing the new system is the next phase in this series of historical achievements. People must be aware of the positive aspects of the new constitution. Nepal could face unexpected hurdles if the mass is not educated about the changing circumstances and how the constitution will address that.
Hence making people aware should be the leaders’ top priority for a couple of years. That will be a smart and wise investment of time and money for the sake of the nation. In future, time tested amendments must be made to better the constitution and add more positive features to it. I believe perfection comes with timely changes but for now, let us move ahead with a positive mindset and not let minor hurdles get in the way of a better future.
Bidur Adhikari
Greenford, UK
The new constitution of Nepal should be a milestone to establish peace, prosperity and equality in the nation. There is much dissatisfaction among some minority groups, but it can be settled by a practice of peaceful dialogue and compromise. Almost a decade has been invested (or rather wasted) for it, so we have to hope that whatever has been done is for the best and accept it. Nothing is set in stone and the readied constitution papers can always be amended and updated. There are so many other ways to amend the constitution in the up coming days. But for now, the government has to settle the current ups and downs in the nation and work towards strengthening the religious, ethnic, and other relationships among people. I’m happy that the constitution is finally here. Nepalis have a splendid reason to rejoice.
Tika Ram Aryal
South Korea
The promulgation of the new constitution is a good sign for the prosperity and stability of Nepal and is a welcoming act. The new constitution was much anticipated and long awaited and finally it is real. Many Nepalis living abroad were waiting for this day and there was so much excitement when the day was finally here. Although some parties and groups are still agitating, the new constitution, I believe, will open doors for development of the nation as a whole. As some issues like federal states demarcation and some ethnic rights are not addressed properly, the constitution should be amended accordingly. If that is done everyone will take ownership on the new constitution and that will lead the nation into a brighter future. Moreover, it would entice citizens living abroad to return to their home country. I am glad that the constitution has been promulgated despite many hurdles created by internal and external forces.
