Former Minister Rekha Sharma Emphasizes the Need for Comprehensive Review Before Constitution Amendment

June 16, Kathmandu – Former Minister and leader of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Rekha Sharma, has highlighted the necessity of conducting a comprehensive review of the constitution prior to any amendments. Speaking at an event held in the capital on Tuesday, she stressed that a full review of the entire constitution is essential before setting the agenda for constitutional amendment. She noted that although all political parties have formed working groups to study constitutional amendments, there has been little focus on a broader constitutional review.

Reflecting on her party’s earlier opposition during the Constituent Assembly to issues such as the electoral system, form of governance, and gender discrimination, Sharma remarked that the current political situation further underscores the need for a constitutional review. She added that the government must engage in additional dialogue with political parties before moving forward with amendments.

Sharma also recalled that in the recently concluded House of Representatives elections, parties included constitutional review and amendment in their manifestos, and that the constitution amendment agenda remained a priority when the Congress-UML coalition government was formed. She noted that the constitution amendment working group established by the NCP is currently studying possible amendments and providing necessary recommendations to the government.

She stated, “Before deciding which aspects of the constitution need amendment, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive review of the constitution, which is not currently happening. Our party has now consolidated many smaller parties. Having been a member of the previous Constituent Assembly, I can say that we have consistently opposed provisions related to the electoral system, governance structure, and gender discrimination, both then and now. The circumstances today differ somewhat from those times.”

She continued, “We have formed a constitutional amendment working group under the leadership of senior party leader Dev Gurung. This group is studying which parts of the constitution can be amended and is providing the government with necessary suggestions. Our party’s stance is that amendments are needed on aspects of the constitution that can and should be changed.”