KATHMANDU: The government has resent the Constitutional Council Ordinance to President Ram Chandra Paudel without any revisions, after it was earlier returned for reconsideration.
Government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the Council of Ministers decided to forward the same ordinance again following its return from Sheetal Niwas on Sunday. President Paudel had sent it back after a week of legal consultation, while endorsing other ordinances.
The ordinance allows decisions of the Constitutional Council to be made by just three members, including the chairperson, instead of the broader quorum previously required. Critics argue that such a provision could concentrate decision-making power, particularly benefiting the prime minister and ruling leadership in appointments to constitutional bodies.
The government, which has been governing through ordinances after proroguing the winter session of Parliament, appears to be seeking to push the measure through despite constitutional concerns. With the ordinance now resubmitted, pressure has increased on the President to take a final call.
Earlier, the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah had recommended multiple ordinances to the President’s Office, most of which have already been approved.
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