President authenticates Constitutional Council ordinance; calls parliament session for May 11

Kathmandu / May 05: President Ramchandra Paudel has authenticated the ordinance on the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) after the government resent it without revisions.

The President had returned the ordinance last week, seeking reconsideration. A Cabinet meeting on Monday decided to resend it in its existing form, leading to its authentication on Tuesday.

Paudel had expressed concerns that decisions of the six-member council should reflect a majority of all members, not just those present. His aides said he maintained the same position as in earlier disputes over similar provisions.

The ordinance allows meetings with at least four members and decisions by a majority of those present. Critics say this enables decisions by three members, falling short of a majority of the full council.

Under existing law, a quorum requires five members, and decisions must initially be unanimous. If consensus fails, a majority of the full membership is required in a subsequent meeting.

President calls federal parliament session for May 11

President Ramchandra Paudel has summoned a session of both houses of the federal parliament for May 11.

The session has been scheduled for 2 PM on Monday, based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers during a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday afternoon.

Releasing a press release, Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson of the President’s Office, said that according to Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, the President, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, has summoned a session of both houses of the Federal Parliament at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar at 2 PM on Monday, May 11.