Eager to pave way for new govt, says Regmi

KATHMANDU, DEC 12 -
Chairman of Interim Election Government Khil Raj Regmi has said he is eager to hand over the responsibility of the government.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Regmi expressed his belief that a political government will be formed with the formal commencement of the new Constituent Assembly.

“The main objective of this government was to hold the Constituent Assembly election in a free and fair environment with the maximum participation of voters, a goal that has been achieved now,” said Regmi. “With the CA election success, the current government is eager to hand over the responsibility to the a people’s elected government at the earliest.”

Regmi also said it was natural that the post-election remains fraught with political misunderstanding. “Although the parties are discussing different political issues, I think these kinds of discussions and debates are a common political practice,” he said. “Hence if there are any issues of discussions among the parties, driven by different political ideologies in a multi-party democratic system, they will be resolved through mutual consultations.”

Saying the CA election was held in a peaceful manner, Regmi said everyone should respect the people’s mandate. “People reign supreme in democracy and they are absolute,” he said pointing out to the UCPN (Maoist)’s refusal to accept the election results.

NBA claims he cannot retain his prior post

BINOD TRIPATHI (CHITWAN)

The 41st meeting of the Executive Council of Nepal Bar Associations (NBA) held in Bharatpur has concluded that the Interim Election Government Chairman Khil Raj Regmi cannot retain his prior post of chief justice.

Wrapping up the two-day meet on Wednesday, the NBA issued a declaration stating that it would be against the spirit of the judiciary to reinstate Regmi as chief justice, as he has already shouldered executive responsibilities. The NBA decision comes at a time when Regmi is about to step down from the top executive post.

The declaration also states that political forces should call for the Constituent Assembly meeting at the earliest, ensure proper representation of law experts while choosing the first-past-the-post (FPTP) candidates, ensure that 33 percent of lawmakers are women and hold elections at the local level.

Likewise, the NBA has also demanded the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a separate commission for the missing as per the international standards, among others.

Meanwhile, the NBA has decided to play the role of a mediator in the issue regarding whether a new President should be elected as demanded by some political parties. Most of the advocates speaking at a closed session stressed that the NBA should play a balanced role. “We will warn political parties on the constitution drafting process but will not opinionate on the issue of the President’s resignation,” NBA vice-chairman Tikaram Bhattarai said.

More than 900 NBA representatives from across the country attended the meet.

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