Himal Press 
KATHMANDU to collect their suggestions on constitutional reform.
The task force, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political adviser Ashim Shah, visited the residences of the two former presidents and held extensive discussions focused on national interests and systemic reforms.
Former president Yadav advised the task force to prepare the discussion paper only after securing the broadest possible national consensus. He added that preserving the core spirit of the constitution, which was promulgated after immense struggles and sacrifices by the Nepali people, and prolonged deliberations in the Constituent Assembly, should be a national necessity.
He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the constitution’s key pillars, including federalism, democracy, republicanism, secularism and proportional inclusion, while also addressing the evolving aspirations and sentiments of the younger generation.
Given the national significance of the issue, Yadav argued that constitutional amendments should be pursued with the support of all political parties represented in parliament. “If that is not possible, a two-thirds consensus should be sought. If even that is not possible, at least a clear majority must be ensured,” he added.
Recalling that all political parties, ethnic communities, and social groups were taken into consideration during the drafting of the present constitution, Yadav urged the task force to similarly respect and reflect Nepal’s social diversity while preparing the amendment proposal.
He also added that the mandate given by the people should be used constructively to strengthen democracy and institutionalise past democratic achievements. Pointing out the need to make the current parliamentary system more effective and people-oriented, he suggested drawing lessons from successful democratic practices around the world.
Similarly, former president Bhandari said it was a positive step that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which holds nearly a two-thirds majority in Parliament, had initiated the constitutional amendment process.
Stating that the constitution itself is a political document born out of compromise, Bhandari said any amendment process should move forward based on a broad national consensus. She added that parties holding decisive voting strength in parliament could advance constitutional amendments smoothly if they reached a mutual agreement.
On women’s representation and inclusion, Bhandari emphasised the need to protect the constitutional provision guaranteeing one-third participation of women while making the arrangement more practical.
Stating that the proportional representation system has been misused by major political parties, she suggested clearly allocating a fixed number of seats for women under the first-past-the-post election system.
Bhandari also said the constitution should be amended in line with changing times and to address weaknesses identified during its implementation. She also called on political parties to engage in serious discussions on the political system, governance model and state structure, rising above partisan or personal interests and focusing solely on the national interest.
The task force is also preparing to meet former prime ministers to collect their suggestions on constitutional amendments
