Nepal House passes eighth Amendment Bill to extend Constituent Assembly’s term

KATHMANDU - Nepal’s Parliament on Saturday passed the eight Amendment Bill of the Interim Constitution of Nepal, which will extend the Constituent Assembly’s (CA) term by a year.

Out of the 585 lawmakers who attended the meeting, 580 voted for the Amendment Bill, while five voted against.

Announcing the result, Speaker Subash Nemwang said the amendment bill was passed by a two-thirds majority.

Nepalnews quoted Nemwang as, saying that the next session of House will began on Monday afternoon.

The government Bill was passed after a marathon meeting that started at 11:40 p.m. in parliament.

Voting started after the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) opposed the bill, with Chandra Bahadur Gurung asking lawmakers to vote against it.

Earlier the big three parties had agreed to a three point agreement, which includes, a provision for extending the term of the CA by a year, implementation of past agreements and the resignation of the Prime Minister within days to pave the way for a unity government.

Last week’s Nepal’s ruling coalition introduced a bill in the 601 member-Assembly to extend the term of the House by a year so that it can finish the task of framing a new Constitution.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nepal said, “We should forge consensus and utilise the extended time-frame to write the new Constitution.”

The opportunity will be utilised to conclude the peace process, complete the drafting of the Constitution and begin a new chapter of consensus politics,” he added.

Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda said the agreement for the extension of the CA and formation of a national unity government should be seen as a victory for peace and for the Constitution. (ANI)