News Digest: Domestic Politics & Governance (January 27 to February 2, 2022)
During a consultation session with constitutional experts and Election Commission officials, government officials agreed to hold the local level elections before May 19, 2022. Inconsistencies between Section 55 of the Local Governance Act 2017 and provisions in the Constitution had led to confusions about fixing local level election dates.
The ruling alliance had previously agreed to hold local level elections by mid-June through the amendment of pertinent laws. However, main opposition CPN-UML pointed out that the laws would not need to be amended if the elections were held before the Election Commission’s mandated date of May 18.
On January 28, during a briefing at Sheetal Niwas, President Bidya Devi Bhandari requested Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to hold the local level elections in a timely manner as per election laws and the constitution.
A meeting of the Central Working Committee of Nepali Congress which took place on January 28 decided to form a central work execution committee which is designated to have 37 members. The party’s 14th general convention was held in December 2021, and the recent meeting was the third since the convention concluded.
A meeting was held between Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-Maoist Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Baluwatar. local level election, MCC and other issues were discussed.
The 19-member secretariat of CPN-UML had a meeting to discuss various issues including local level elections, party organization, remaining district conventions and state conventions. CPN-UML has not held conventions in some districts due to coronavirus. Their General Convention was held last November.
CESIF Nepal