UML issues 'white paper' on CA debacle; says CA can be revived briefly

The CPN (UML) Thursday pubilised a 'white paper' on the failure of the Constituent Assembly to promulgate the new constitution, squarely blaming the UCPN (Maoist) and the Madhesi Front for the CA's demise.

The UML also cited reasons such as 'over-expectation' from the CA, agreements signed outside of the CA and the activities of different pressure groups within the CA for the constitutional fiasco. The party said proportional representation weakened the political leadership's clout on the issues thereby leading to the failure to promulgate the constitution.

The white paper prepared by secretary Shankar Pokharel said that the UML did make efforts to prevent the CA from getting dissolved without delivering the constitution but admitted that those efforts were not effective.

The UML also said the draft of the constitution should be prepared by incorporating the issues that have already been agreed upon.

The white paper also said that the CA could be revived for a brief period if the parties arrive at a consensus on the constitution. nepalnews.com