A study conducted by Freedom Forum – a non-governmental organisation– has proposed that elections should be held for 301 member constituent assembly in order to ensure more practical, comprehensive and inclusive representation of all section of people in the state affairs.

The report — prepared by a team led by former Election Commissioner Prof. Birendra P. Mishra and published last week — regarding the structure of the constituent assembly and electoral system, concluded that eight point agreement reached between the seven party alliance and the Maoists should form the basis of constituent assembly elections.

The report suggested that elections to the constituent assembly should be held by mid- May 2007 based on proportional representation model.

The study proposes that a total of 250 members should be elected directly by the people on the basis of adult franchise. Other 20 members should be elected from among the communities having more than 100,000 population, 15 from among the trade unions, intellectual and professionals and 10 more from remote mountainous districts with the population of less than 100,000. Similarly, the all party interim government should nominate six persons representing disabled, marginalized groups, religious groups and any other community that is not represented. There should be at least 33 percent representation of women in the assembly, the study suggested.

The report also suggests for finding solution to the citizenship problem and carrying out census before going to the elections for the constituent assembly.

Other members of the study team included president of Freedom Forum Taranath Dahal, Bhola Nath Dhungana and Sanjeev Ghimire