Nepalese lawmakers vote to amend new constitution
Nepal’s lawmakers have voted on amendments to the country's new constitution following months-long protests by ethnic minorities demanding more political representation.
"I announce that the Nepal constitution first amendment bill has been passed with a two-thirds majority in favor," said Parliament Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar on Saturday as lawmakers thumped their desks in agreement.
In September 2015, Nepal’s parliament overwhelmingly passed the new constitution that had been delayed for years due to differences between political factions. The new charter came into force on September 20, 2015.
Since then, violent protests have taken place in parts of the Himalayan country, claiming the lives of over 50 demonstrators. Protesters say the constitution has left them politically marginalized.
The new national constitution aims to restructure Nepal as a federal state made up of seven provinces, and to draw a line under a decade-long civil war that ended in 2006.
The members of marginalized groups demand their own separate province. The groups include the Madhesi and Tharu ethnic minorities who mainly live in the country's southern plains.
This comes as a large crowd of angry Nepalese demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority protesting against the new national constitution have been blocking a major bridge crossing with India since September 24, 2015. The protests have resulted in the disruption in the provision of vital supplies and a nationwide fuel rationing.
The blockade has deteriorated bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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