Nepal finally has a new constitution that makes the Himalayan nation a federal, secular, democratic republic. The milestone marks the culmination of a long and tortuous political transition process that began when Nepal’s decade-long civil war ended in 2006. Subsequently, Nepal’s constituent assembly was mandated to draft a new constitution for the country. However, deep divisions over the design of the new republic saw several deadlines being missed.
Against this backdrop, the devastating earthquake of April 25 that claimed around 9,000 lives served as a tragic wake-up call for the political elite in Kathmandu. It forced the main political parties to shelve their differences for the greater good of Nepal.
Although the new constitution has been passed by more than two-thirds majority in the constituent assembly and is awaiting official promulgation next Sunday, voices of dissent remain.
Madhesi parties are unhappy with the boundaries of the seven new federal provinces and an electoral system they fear will leave Nepal’s minorities under-represented. But it’s important not to lose sight of the achievements. That Nepal has shunned religion as the basis of the new republic is welcome. Countries like Pakistan bear testimony to the instability and violence such a route entails.
Plus, Nepal’s new constitution includes provisions that will see a significant number of parliamentary seats elected through a proportional representation system. This highlights the Himalayan nation’s ethnic diversity. Now that the basic constitutional text is in place, it can be further refined through subsequent amendments. But what’s important is that Nepal will now have a full-fledged parliament and government. This will not only help speed up reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the earthquake-affected areas but also stabilise Nepal’s polity. India should remain a steadfast partner as Nepal emerges into the modern era.