Interim Statute Panel Starts Work

The Interim Constitution Drafting Committee, headed by former justice of the Supreme Court Laxam Prasad Aryal, officially started its work from yesterday after the government-Maoist talks teams handed out a terms of reference to it to draft an interim statute that would remain in force until a new one is made through an election to a constituent assembly.

Coordinator of the statute drafting panel Aryal told the media that the government-Maoist talks teams have asked the panel to draft an interim statute safeguarding the people rights gained through the 1990 movement and the spirit of the recent Jana Andolan and based on the commitments expressed through the 12-point understanding between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists and the preamble of the 25-point Ceasefire Code of Conduct reached between the government and Maoist talks teams on May 26.

An extended meeting between the government-Maoist talks teams held yesterday had agreed to allow the interim statute drafting committee to begin its work and complete the job within 15 days from the date of its start.

“The main responsibility of the committee is to consolidate the achievements of the Jana Andolan, 2006 and pave broad guidelines to ensure more rights to the people," said Aryal in a press conference held at the Peace Secretariat.

Aryal said that the interim statute, which will be submitted to the government-Maoist talks teams for final approval, would also come up with an alternative to the House of Representatives. "The statute will definitely suggest an alternative to the HoR and such an arrangement will be made as per the mutual understanding of the talks teams," Aryal said, adding that announcement of the interim statute would also be decided upon by the talks teams later.

Asked about the role and place of the King and the institution of the monarchy in the interim statute, Aryal said, "That will also be stated in it as per the declaration of the HoR made on May 18." He further added that the interim statute would also stipulate the duration of holding an election to a constituent assembly, set principles of constituent assembly polls and electoral system.