Ordinance on Constitutional Council issued by President

Kathmandu-President Ramchandra Paudel has promulgated an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council. The ordinance was issued after the government resent it for approval, following its earlier return by the President for reconsideration.

The new provision allows decisions to be made by just three members in the six-member Constitutional Council. This has drawn criticism, with concerns that it enables decisions to be taken by a limited number of members.According to the ordinance, a quorum of four members is required for a meeting of the Council. This means the chairperson and at least three other members must be present for the meeting to take place. Furthermore, decisions can be made if at least three members, including the chairperson, agree.

The ordinance also includes a provision for a tie-break situation. If all six members are present and voting results in a tie (3–3), the side supported by the chairperson will be considered the majority.Along with this, the President has approved all eight ordinances recommended by the government, which will now be presented in the Federal Parliament.

The Constitutional Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, is a key body responsible for recommending appointments to various constitutional bodies. Its members include the Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, and the Leader of the Opposition.