Nepal’s second Constituent Assembly is voting for enacting its new Constitution, as reported earlier. Today (14 September 2015), the Nepali lawmakers rejected a proposal to restore the Hindu character of Nepal with the Constituent Assembly (CA) firmly plumping for secularism that was adopted seven years ago, in its interim Constitution.
The 601-member Constituent Assembly – tasked with framing the Himalayan nation’s new constitution – voted clause-by-clause on individual articles of the proposed constitution and ensured that its secular character which was adopted in May 2008 by the world’s once-only-Hindu kingdom, was retained, the Himalayan Times reported.
Kamal Thapa, chairman of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal and Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Amrit Bohora had demanded that secularism be removed from the constitution and the Hindu state character be restored instead.
After Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Chandra Nembang rejected the proposal of these two parties, Kamal Thapa demanded voting. However, Thapa’s proposal for a vote received the support of only 21 lawmakers in the 601-seat Constituent Assembly. On the other hand, the Constituent Assembly rules require that at least 61 members approve a proposal for voting.
Thus, Nepal would not return as a Hindu nation after its new Constitution is adopted, as was the case prior to 2008.
See also: Nepal may soon have a new Constitution as voting begins on proposed Constitution.
