Parties to sign consensus deal today

KATHMANDU, MAY 15: 

Four major political forces — Unified CPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front — today prepared a tentative draft of consensus on major contentious issues of the new constitution and said they would sign a deal tomorrow to pave the way for promulgation of the new constitution through consensus by May 27. 

The leaders, however, hinted that they might leave some disputed issues of federalism for a 'federal commission' and a transitional Parliament, which will be in force even after the promulgation of the constitution, to decide. The parties have tentatively agreed for 11 federal units, according to sources. 

The parties have agreed on directly elected President and prime minister elected by Parliament, both sharing the executive power, according to NC leader Ramchandra Paudel. “Both, President and prime minister, will enjoy certain specific executive rights. We will finalise separation of power between them tomorrow,” said Paudel. Leaders said Parliament's supremacy will be maintained. “Executive rights of President and prime minister will be clearly defined in the constitution,” said UDMF leader Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar. 

UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal said prime minister will remain the head and political rights will rest in Parliament, which will be the most powerful body. However, UCPN-M leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha said, “President will not enjoy sole executive power like in the USA. Nor will prime minister be made all powerful executive head like in the Westminster system,” said Shrestha, adding that a directly elected President cannot just remain a constitutional Head of State.

Source: THT