KATHMANDU: Speaker Devraj Ghimire’s Secretariat has said that the election process for the Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee has been delayed due to the Nepali Congress (NC) failing to finalize its candidate.
The position became vacant after lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada resigned on August 12 amid disputes over the cooling-off period provision in the Civil Service Bill. Parliamentary rules require the election of a new chair within 15 days of the seat becoming vacant, meaning the election must be held by Monday.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire held repeated discussions with NC Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire on Sunday to publish the election schedule. However, the NC sought more time to settle its internal decision, resulting in a delay in issuing the election notice.
“There are no claims from other parties, as there is an understanding between the NC and CPN-UML regarding this position,” the Speaker’s Secretariat stated. “The Speaker made repeated attempts on Sunday, but the Congress requested that the notice be withheld until after its internal meeting. They have assured that the matter will be finalized in the party’s office bearers’ meeting this morning.”
Once the NC nominates its candidate, the Speaker will proceed to publish the election schedule, paving the way for the committee leadership to be filled.
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