Referendum to decide fate of Nepal monarchy

Kathmandu, Aug 26 (UNI) The fate of monarchy in the Himalayan nation will be decided through a referendum to be held with the constituent assembly election.

The Interim Constitution Drafting Committee, headed by former Justice of the Supreme Court Laxman Prasad Aryal, proposed that the referendum should decide about monarchy.

Justice Aryal submitted the draft statue to Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Chief of the Maoist negotiating team Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

Interim legislature Chairman will take charge as the Head of the State in case monarchy is abolished before the constituent assembly makes any alternative arrangement, the draft constitution said.

Maoists wanted the abolition of monarchy in the interim constitution, however, major political parties, including the Nepal Congress, said the fate of monarhcy will be decided by the election of the constituent election.

According to the draft constitution, to be endorsed by the major political parties, sovereignty and state power will be vested with the people of Nepal and the country will be a democratic and secular state.

The Nepal parliament completely cut the powers of the King and disconnected the link of the army with the palace after the restoration of democracy in May.

There will be no role of the king in the state affairs until the election of the constituent assembly.

The draft has also proposed more fundamental rights of the people and complete freedom of the press.

The constitution has also proposed various social welfare provision, including free education and health care.

UNI XC SI SSC1558