JUNE 23, 2010 The much-awaited constitution making through the Constituent Assembly (CA) is getting uncertain in Nepal with the timeframe of two years to accomplish the task of drafting new constitution is expiring. As there is merely seven days to go, it is now almost clear that the constitution would not be promulgated by the deadline set for May 28, 2010.
The three big parties-- namely Nepali Congress (NC), Unified Communist Party of Nepal--Maoist (UCPN-M) and Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) have not yet reached any conclusion to forge consensus to give political breakthrough in the country with the adoption of new constitution. At the same time, other 21 fringe parties represented in the Constituent Assembly (CA) are also in indecisive mood to give outlet to the country.
Political parties are on extensive discussion to build consensus for extending the tenure of CA for at least six more months; however, common understanding is yet to be found to bail the country out of immanent crisis.
Now the post May 28 situation of Nepal is quite unclear with widening mistrust among the political parties and chances of consensus politics getting slimmer. In this backdrop, Freedom Forum-Nepal is alert towards the probable critical situation following the May-28 situation. The Forum is more concerned on the uncertain and fragile situation of the country and its repercussions on Nepali Media sector, which has been already facing tough time for long. We draw the attention of all media workers and stakeholders towards the probable deteriorating situation of press freedom and freedom of expression in the days to come.
The Forum is more concerned on the worsening situation of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal and urges the government to come up with strong measures to curb possible infringement of rights of journalists.
"The government should thoroughly assess the possible menace to free press and people's freedom of expression and take up strong measures to safeguard the rights and make congenial atmosphere for journalists to work freely to impart information to people", Freedom Forum Chairperson Taranath Dahal said.
We commit that we will update the press freedom situation of Nepal continuously in the days to come. Hope we will be in touch.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022