Prime Minister Balen Shah has hastily convened a meeting of the Constitutional Council as the ordinance related to the Constitutional Council is set to become inactive.
The ordinance was issued by the president on May 5.
Under the ordinance, a simple majority of three members, including the prime minister, is sufficient for the six-member council to reach a decision. Shortly after the ordinance was issued, the Council used that provision to recommend Manoj Sharma for appointment as chief justice.
If the government introduces an ordinance when Parliament is not in session, the ordinance must be approved by both houses of the Federal Parliament within 60 days of the commencement of the session. However, the government has been unable to get the ordinance passed by the National Assembly since it lacks representation in the upper house.
All parties represented in the National Assembly have registered notices of opposition against the ordinance.
According to Article 114 of the Constitution of Nepal, an ordinance must be presented before both houses of the Federal Parliament, and if not approved, it automatically becomes inactive.
Since the parliamentary session was summoned on May 11, the ordinance needs to be approved by the Federal Parliament by July 11.
With the ordinance unlikely to be passed, Prime Minister Shah has called a meeting of the council to finalize appointments before the ordinance expires.
According to sources, the council is preparing to recommend the appointment of the chief election commissioner and two other commissioners during Friday's meeting.
