11 years of Constitution: Implementation gaps fuel debate over amendments
Summary
Nepal’s Constitution has turned 11 amid growing debate over amendments, as major implementation gaps, unresolved federal disputes and incomplete laws continue to weaken governance. Experts and political leaders warn that rewriting core provisions without consensus could destabilize the federal republican system.
Key Points
- Nepal’s Constitution, promulgated in 2015, is still seen as only partially implemented because key institutions, laws and federal structures remain incomplete.
- Analysts and constitutional experts say the main challenge is implementation, not the Constitution itself, and warn against amendments that alter its basic structure without consensus.
- Political parties are split over the amendment process, while a government task force has already recommended changes to 245 of the Constitution’s 308 articles.
- Delays in laws such as the Federal Civil Service Act, Police Act and Education Act have deepened disputes over powers, resources and responsibilities across federal, provincial and local governments.
