Civil society leaders have stressed that a federal system is needed to address the existing differences in the Nepali society and that the election to the constituent assembly (CA) should be based on the equitable representation of various ethnic, cultural, regional and linguistic communities.

Speaking at a programme organised by Indigenous People’s Peace Council in the capital on Monday, editor of pro-left Mulyankan monthly magazine Shyam Shrestha said the new Nepal after the election to CA should end all discriminatory systems and policies that have been prevailing in the society since centuries.

He said the new constitution to be drafted by the CA should address the problems of ethnic communities, undeveloped regions, Dalits and women and bring them into mainstream of the state mechanism.

Former justice of the Supreme Court Laxman Prasad Aryal said keeping in mind the situation of varied ethnic, linguistic and cultural existence in the society, it was possible to balance their equitable representation and equal rights only in the federal system of governance.

He said the discriminated communities including the indigenous people and Dalits should continue to put pressure on state jointly for more rights in the new system.

He further said it is now the right of the sovereign people to choose the governance system of their interest.

Dr Mathura Shrestha said that the state should devise a mechanism so that there is equal representation from all sections of the society in governance and while formulating state policies.

The reinstated parliament has resolved on Sunday to go for election to the CA to draft a new constitution and bring the Maoists into the political mainstream.