Date:05/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/05/stories/2007110556231600.htm

International

Nepal passes proposals

Ameet Dhakal

KATHMANDU: The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) struck a deal at the eleventh hour and got each of their proposals on declaring the country a republic and the proportional electoral system passed through the special session of the interim Parliament on Sunday.

The House passed the UML’s amendment proposal to take necessary procedures to proclaim the country a republic. However, the proposal doesn’t clearly say that the monarchy should be abolished before the Constituent Assembly election.

The Maoists earlier withdrew their proposal that said Nepal be immediately made a republican state and supported the UML’s posposal. Similarly, the UML supported the Maoists’ proposal to opt for a fully proportional electoral system and withdrew its amendment proposal on it.

Implementation of both the proposals will require amendment to the interim Constitution.