Koirala vows first draft within 6 months, statute within a year

CHITWAN, JAN 31 - Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala has said that the draft of the new constitution would be ready within six months and a democratic constitution would be promulgated within a year of the formation of the new government.

"After I become the prime minister, be assured that the constitution will be promulgated within a year," said Koirala addressing a programme of Nepal Civil Servants' Employee Union at Narayangadh on Friday, "The constitution will be forged in consensus of all." He said that the only aim of the government would be drafting the new constitution.

Koirala said that efforts were underway to form a consensual government. The NC President made it clear that he would leave no stones unturned for the constitution drafting as it was almost certain that the upcoming government would be led by his party even if the parties went for majority government.

"Majority government is also an example of democratic practice," said Koirala, "My effort will be to move ahead taking all the parties in confidence."

He expressed confidence that NC would lead the next government with support from all. "Most of the parties have been positive about forming a government under NC's leadership," he said.