Secretary-General calls for conclusion of constitution-making process in Nepal

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged political parties and other groups in Nepal to ensure that its constitution-making process is concluded successfully, noting that the term of the country’s Constituent Assembly could end before the adoption of a new constitution.

“The Secretary-General is concerned about the prospect of the term of the Constituent Assembly expiring without the adoption of a constitution that meets the expectations and aspirations of the people of Nepal,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Nepal has been plagued by political disputes since the civil war between Government forces and Maoists, which claimed 13,000 lives, formally ended in 2007, and its monarchy was abolished. Several deadlines to draft a new constitution have been missed.

The Constituent Assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution. Its term was extended by six months in late November last year – that extension is reportedly due to expire on Sunday, 27 May.

Mr. Ban appealed to all parties to remain within the framework of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Constituent Assembly, his spokesperson said, adding that the Secretary-General also appealed for all concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint.