The Carter Center Congratulates Nepal's New Constituent Assembly

30 May 2008 -- The Carter Center congratulates the people of Nepal, the government, and the political parties on the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly on May 28, 2008. This is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Nepali people and their political leadership to sustainable peace and multi-party democracy.

Street markets in Kathmandu, Nepal: Photo by Shinya Ichinohe (CC)

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The newly elected Constituent Assembly also has taken the historic step of voting to transform Nepal into a federal, democratic republic. This inaugurates a new phase in Nepali history, and one in which The Carter Center expects that all of Nepal's people, particularly historically marginalized groups, will be able to freely exercise their due rights in an environment respectful of the rule of law and focused on the achievement of peace, progress, and prosperity for all.

The Constituent Assembly has been tasked with drafting a permanent constitution that addresses the aspirations of Nepal's diverse people. As the most inclusive elected body in Nepal's history, it is well positioned for this critical job. The Carter Center encourages all members of the assembly to take seriously their shared responsibility to work effectively and transparently, to engage in broad consultation with all sectors of society at every stage of the drafting process, to reflect accurately the will of their constituents, and to remain personally accountable to the people of Nepal.

The Carter Center has worked in Nepal since 2003 and established an election observation presence in January 2007. The Center's long-term observers visited all of Nepal's 75 districts multiple times. A delegation of more than 60 observers from 21 nations arrived shortly before election day, led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn; former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai; and Carter Center CEO Dr. John Hardman. The Center has observed 70 elections in 28 countries.

Source: Carter Center