Nepal's interim constitution was promulgated through the House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday evening.

As per the agreement between the ruling Seven-Party Alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (formerly known as guerrilla) on Jan. 8, the HoR discussed the approved interim constitution sent by Nepali Council of Ministers on Monday.

A special meeting of Nepali Council of Ministers held at Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's official residence at Baluwatar in Kathmandu Sunday morning ratified the interim constitution. The Nepali Council of Ministers sent the interim constitution to the HoR on the same day.

Likewise, the interim legislature -- expected to be set up immediately after the promulgation of the constitution -- will pronounce the final ratification of the statute and then, the interim statute will formally come into effect in the country.

The interim constitution has 25 parts, 167 articles and three Annexes.

Addressing the house session, Koirala made the "historic' announcement by transferring the CPN from rebellion to mainstream politics.

Replying to queries raised by the parliament members who tabled their amendment proposals in the interim statute, Koirala urged all parties to contribute to establish new Nepal.

Koirala also said that the new interim legislature parliament would consider the recommendations of the parties.

He pointed out the CPN's decision to enter main politics by laying down their arms is of significant importance.

The prime minister also asked the members to withdraw their amendment proposals to ease the process.

Koirala appealed to all the political parties, civil society and the people to contribute their level best to hold the Constituent Assembly election in June in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

The new 329-member interim legislature parliament, with 83 CPN members, is due to meet for the first time later Monday evening to ratify the interim statute.

The top leader of the CPN Prachanda and second-in command Baburam Bhattarai also visited parliament along with 83 others new parliament members. The new parliament members will take oath of office and secrecy before the interim legislature parliament soon.

Source: Xinhua