Nepali Congress for Republic system in Nepal

Kathmandu, Sep 6: Nepali Congress, the oldest and biggest democratic party in the Himalayan nation, has decided to go for federal democratic republic system without the king in the coming Constituent Assembly polls slated for November 22.

With this decision of the Nepali Congress for republic system, it is clear that the monarchy, which ruled for nearly 239 years, would be abolished as other major political parties including the CPN, UML and Maoists had already said that they want the end of monarchy in any form.

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and president of the party Girija Prasad Koirala at his official residence Baluwatar, had directed the constituent assembly elections manifesto draft committee to prepare the draft on the basis of federal republican state structure and multiparty democratic system.

The meeting has directed the committee to ensure basic human rights principles, rule of law, periodic elections, free and fair judiciary, freedom of press , separation of power, principles of power balance and control among other features.

The meeting has also decided to call the party's general convention on September 23 and 24 in Kathmandu with a view to present the draft manifesto , NC press release stated.

The meeting has urged all the political parties to help end all the mechanisms of violence and totalitarian nature, attitude and activities and help institutionalise democratic values and principles.

Earlier, the draft manifesto preparation committee headed by Chakra Banstola had tabled draft manifesto at the meeting for discussion.

Monarchy had been suspended in the new constitution and its powers had been cut off since Nepal king Gynendra was forced to hand over power to the elected representatives last year.

Tens of thousands of people came to the streets demanding the end of monarchy which had ruled the country fist for about 239 years.

Gyanendra's dictatorial ambition made the monarchy very unpopular as he sacked the elected government twice and declared himself the chairman of the council of ministers and nominated ministers, who were never elected by the people.

UNI