Himal Press 
Photo: RSS
KATHMANDU: The government has said that it would expedite the process of filling two vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Responding to questions raised by lawmakers in the meeting of the National Assembly on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam said the Election Commission has already initiated the process for a by-election to fill the vacant elected seat as per the existing law.
One elected seat is lying vacant following the demise of Baldev Bohora of the Nepali Congress. Bohora, who was elected from Nepali Congress (NC) for a four-year term in March 2024, passed away on January 14.
Similarly, one seat to be nominated by the President on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers is also lying vacant. Although the cabinet of Sushila Karki had recommended Om Prakash Aryal to the post on March 15, President Ram Chandra Paudel did not make the appointment.
Minister Gautam said the government would conclude the process of recommending a suitable person for the nominated seat at the earliest, taking into consideration constitutional provisions on inclusion, the candidate’s qualifications and contribution to national life, as well as the dignity and role of the National Assembly.
She said the issue of the nominated seat could not be concluded on time due to the transitional situation caused by political and government changes.
“The government is aware that it is not appropriate to leave parliamentary seats vacant,” she said.
Gautam also said the government would ensure effective coordination among the Federal Parliament, Election Commission and Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers so that the necessary recommendation or election process is initiated on time whenever a National Assembly seat becomes vacant.
