Kathmandu, August 25
As members of the State Affairs Committee continue debating on whether to let corruption convicts contest elections–and if yes, after how long–the endorsement of two key laws required for elections to the Provincial Assembly and the federal House of Representatives has been delayed.
The Committee is holding discussions on two bill related to the polls. The government has proposed to bar corruption convicts among other convicts of criminal cases from contesting any of the elections forever. However, lawmakers of various parties including those of Nepali Congress have been demanding that the restriction be limited to few years only.
The Election Commission has been demanding that Parliament endorse both the bills by August 31, warning a failure to do so would seriously affect preparations for the elections scheduled for November 26.
However, the House Committee has been unable to hold any discussion on the bills for last 15 days.
The government had planned to get the laws ready by mid-August. Home Minister Janardan Sharma says the government is trying to forge an agreement among parties on the disputed provision and endorse the bills as demanded by the Commission.
Top leaders of major political parties have also initiated discussions in this regard, according to him.
