The legislative parliament opened debate on the Interim Constitution – Second Amendment Bill on Thursday.

While some parliamentarians praised the amendment bill others suggested a review on some provisions.

Commenting on the bill, CPN (UML) UML lawmaker Ishwor Pokharel said the bill failed to incorporate the demands of his party for proportional electoral system and referendum [on republic]. Going for a second amendment without implementing the commitments made in the first amendment is objectionable, he said.

Nepali Congress (Democratic) lawmaker Gopal Man Shrestha said grievances of the agitating groups including Madhesis should be addressed constitutionally.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Radhe Shyam Adhikari praised the provisions of the opposition in the parliament and the removal of the Prime Minister through no-confidence motion with two-third majority.

Likewise, CPN (MLM) lawmaker Nanda Kumar Prasai proposed that the amendment bill incorporate provisions for parliamentary hearing on appointment of judges and ambassadors. He said the bill had no clear definition of the ‘opposition’ in the House.

The government had registered the statute amendment bill Wednesday evening, immediately after a cabinet meeting approved it.

The amendment bill incorporates, among other things, a new timetable (November this year) of the constituent assembly election.