April 14, Kathmandu – Political parties have responded positively to the government’s call for opinions and suggestions aimed at establishing a national commitment for governance reform. A draft of this ‘national commitment’ has been made public based on the manifests and pledges of the six national parties formed from the House of Representatives election. The government has sought feedback on the draft from five opposition parties: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Labour Culture Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPPN).
On the first day of the new year, the government stated that it had prepared the draft incorporating the key points outlined in all party manifestos to facilitate governance reform.
Leading opposition parties, including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and NCP, have expressed their intention to deliberate internally before providing their suggestions to the government. The deadline for submitting feedback is set for April 23. Congress General Secretary Gurruraj Ghimire emphasized that it is the government’s duty and responsibility to formulate a national commitment that encompasses all the issues presented in the party manifestos. He affirmed Congress’s support for the government’s initiative aimed at promoting national interests, protecting democracy, and advancing progress.
According to General Secretary Ghimire, the parties will review the government’s request internally based on the manifestos they released before the election. “First, we will discuss this matter inside the party. After thorough deliberation, we will publicly express our stance within an appropriate timeframe,” he stated. “We welcome the idea of advancing the issues outlined in the party pledges, resolutions, and manifestos as a national commitment.”
The government’s request for feedback has been met with mixed feelings by another opposition party, CPN-UML. Secretary Padma Aryal highlighted the need for clarity regarding the government’s intentions, questioning whether the national commitment initiative is genuine or merely for public show. “If the government is just seeking opinions for the sake of displaying activity, then it is unnecessary. But if it is done with positive intent, why should we view it negatively?” Secretary Aryal said. “If it’s just for rumors, there is no need for extensive discussion. Therefore, the purpose of the government must be clear. We will deliberate and provide our recommendations.”
Meanwhile, the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), considered the fourth force in the House of Representatives, stated that it has not yet received formal communication regarding the government’s request for opinions and suggestions. NCP leader Dev Gurung informed that though the government has asked for feedback on governance reforms and the ‘national commitment’, the party has not been officially notified. “If opinions are requested, we will provide them. We will respond specifically on the issues on which feedback is sought,” he added. He also noted that the party will study whether its manifesto points are included in the draft before responding. Gurung stated that the party will hold internal consultations and subsequently share its stance on the request.
