Kathmandu

The government of Nepal has recommended two ordinances—linked to cooperatives and the Constitutional Council—to President Ram Chandra Paudel for approval, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

According to sources, the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Monday. The proposed ordinances have since been forwarded to the President’s office for consideration.

The development comes shortly after the government first advised convening a session of the federal parliament on April 30, only to later recommend postponing it. The timing of the ordinances is being viewed in the context of upcoming constitutional appointments.

The Constitutional Council of Nepal, which is responsible for recommending key appointments, comprises six members: the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice, and the Leader of the Opposition. With the recent selection of Bhishmaraj Angdembe as parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress, the council is now fully constituted.

The opposition Nepali Congress has objected to the government’s move, questioning both the timing and the process. Party spokesperson Devraj Chalise said the decision to proceed with ordinances while deferring a parliamentary session raises concerns regarding constitutional propriety and adherence to parliamentary norms.

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If approved, the ordinance concerning the Constitutional Council would enable the government to move ahead with appointments to several key constitutional posts, including positions such as the Chief Justice, which are currently vacant.