Noting the Interim Constitution-a moderate victory

This is a notable achievement for Nepalese people if this can be kept on pace. Even as we try to embark on a the path to a democratic republic state, the challenges are by no means far from the surface. If the "incompetent" leaders continue on the same path as in the 12 years of democracy and the people fail to hold them accountable, nothing good will come out of this new dawn...

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTERIM CONSTITUTION- 2063
Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, Dec 16 - The seven-party alliance and the CPN-Maoist leaders on Saturday morning finalized the Interim Constitution following 17 hours of intensive discussion at the prime minister's residence at Baluwatar.
The main characteristics of Interim Constitution of Nepal-2063 are as follows:
*Drafted on the collective initiatives of eight political parties as per the spirit of democratic people's movement.
* The sovereignty and ruling power rest on people.
* Religious secularism
* Nepal is defined as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, inclusive and complete democratic state
* National animal cow as it is
* Women's rights and clauses of untouchability and caste discrimination mentioned in fundamental rights,
* Subjects including environment, health, education and culture , employment and social security, children, torture, labour mentioned in fundamental rights,
* Formation of unicameral legislation including 330 members
* Prime Minister to call and conclude parliament convention, and to present annual programmes and policy of the government,
* Executive power to Council of Ministers,
* Constituent Assembly comprising of 425 members including 409 from election based on mixed electoral system and 16 from nomination,
* The tenure of Constituent Assembly would be two years from its first meeting,
* A Constituent Assembly Court would look into the complaints lodged regarding the election of constituent assembly,
* National Human Rights Commission to be set up as constitutional body,
* Formation of interim local body at district, municipality and village level would be revived on the understanding of eight political parties
* At least 10, 000 voters' signature needed to form a new party for election,
* Council of Minister to appoint Chief of Army Staff,
* Formation of Security Council headed by Prime Minister including Defense Ministry, Home Ministry and other ministries as indicated by Prime Minister,
* The Special Committee of Council of Ministers would be responsible for supervision, accommodation and rehabilitation of Maoists Army,
* The Amendment of the Constitution would be made only by two third of the majority of parliamentarians,
* The Constitutional Council headed by Prime Minister that includes Chief justice, Speaker and three Ministers assigned by Prime Minister,
* The Council of Ministers resumed power to look into the punishment sentenced by any court, special court and military court,
* The Council of Minister to appoint Ambassadors and other Special Representatives,
* Prime Minister is to conferee upon title, honour, decoration on behalf of the state,
* Provision of Referendum on any issue that hold national importance,
* The Council of Ministers resumes power to remove difficulties that should be approved by parliament or constituent assembly within a month,
* Prime Minister to use all executive powers of head of the state,
* Fate of the monarchy to be decided by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly,
* The property of the Late King Birendra, Late Queen Aishwarya and their relatives would be put in the Trust under Nepal government and be utilized for the nation's betterment,
* The property that King Gyanendra received in the capacity of the head of the state to be nationalized,
* Fresh oath of office mandatory to justices of Supreme Court, Appellate Court, District Court as the commitment towards the Constitution and those who ignored would be terminated.
* The existing House of Representatives and National Assembly would automatically be dissolved with the promulgation of this constitution,
* The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-2047 BS would be nullified after the promulgation of this constitution.