Task Force on Constitutional Amendment Advances Agenda, Key Structural Changes Under Discussion

Kathmandu — A government-formed task force led by Asim Shah has moved forward in shaping a national debate on constitutional amendments, holding its second meeting on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, finalized a structured work plan aimed at gathering expert and stakeholder input in the coming days.

According to officials, the work plan presented by member secretary Pushpkar Sapkota was endorsed after incorporating suggestions from task force members. Starting next week, the panel will begin daily consultations with experts and concerned stakeholders, signaling an effort to build broader consensus before drafting a formal discussion paper. The leadership has committed to completing the document within the stipulated timeline and submitting it to the government.

At the center of the emerging debate are four major proposals that could significantly reshape Nepal’s political architecture. The first proposal explores whether the country should adopt a directly elected executive leadership model, potentially shifting power dynamics away from the current parliamentary framework. This reflects growing dissatisfaction in some political circles regarding instability caused by coalition politics and frequent government changes.

The second proposal questions the future of the existing mixed electoral system. Discussions are underway on whether to retain the hybrid model—combining first-past-the-post and proportional representation—or move toward a fully proportional system. This debate is likely to be contentious, as it directly affects political representation, inclusion, and the balance of power among parties.

A third proposal suggests redefining the role of the Vice President by assigning the position as chair of the National Assembly. This would streamline institutional roles while maintaining the ceremonial presidency. At the same time, the idea of a directly elected Prime Minister is being floated, indicating a possible hybrid model that blends elements of presidential and parliamentary systems.

The fourth proposal focuses on local governance, where the concept of non-partisan local elections has been introduced. Proponents argue that removing party affiliations at the local level could reduce political polarization and improve service delivery. However, critics may question its practicality in a deeply party-driven political culture.

Despite these wide-ranging discussions, the government has reportedly taken a firm stance against altering the federal structure, signaling that federalism will remain non-negotiable in any amendment process. This position suggests that while governance mechanisms may be revised, the foundational framework of the state will stay intact.

Notably, Nepali Congress has yet to nominate a representative to the task force, raising questions about the inclusiveness and political consensus of the process. Without participation from major parties, the legitimacy and acceptance of any proposed amendments could face challenges.

Overall, the ongoing process reflects an attempt to address structural inefficiencies in governance while navigating complex political realities. The coming consultations will be crucial in determining whether these proposals evolve into a broadly accepted reform agenda or remain contested ideas within Nepal’s political discourse.