Kathmandu, April 26

Leaders of different political parties on Thursday stressed that the political consensus was essential to resolve the disputed issues of the new constitution.

Speaking at an interaction organized by Reporters Club, They said that the parties should move with realistic approach to arrive at an agreement regarding the pending issues of the constitution.

UCPN-Maoist leader CP Gajurel said that the directly elected presidential system would prove to be harmful for Nepal and added that the new constitution should bring the president under the parliament.

He said that the new constitution should bring the president under the parliament for sustainable democracy and stability.

Gajurel alleged that the parties were not acting fairly regarding system of governance and stressed that they should come up with a stand which would be acceptable for the people.

"The parliamentary system with a prime minister with executive powers is most suitable for Nepal in the present context," he said.

Gajurel said that the executive presidential system was not a communist system and clarified that he was against the ethnic based federalism.

"The Maoists are not in favor of caste based federalism. The party is only in favor of identity based federal system. Fourteen provinces are suitable for Nepal to address issues related to identity," he said.

Gajurel added said that if the constitution drafting process faces hindrances, the leaders of major political parties should take the responsibility for it.

Nepali Congress (NC) leader Gopal Man Shrestha said that the state restructuring issue would be resolved after settling the issues of the system of governance, electoral model and the system of judiciary.

He clarified that the NC would not join a government led by the Maoist party. He stressed that the new government would be led by NC.

Shrestha said that the prime minister should resign to pave the way for a national consensus government.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Bhim Acharya said that the leaders should minimize the number of legislators and added that his party was not ready to accept a bulky 385-member central parliament because it is too burdensome.

Acharya said that the parties were near consensus on the disputed issues of constitution and added that the all parties should be free from political prejudice during the constitution drafting process.

Lawmaker Laxman Lal Karna said that a small parliament was suitable for Nepal. The parties should agree on minimum 200 lawmakers for the new parliament, he added.

Rastriya Janamorcha Chairman Chitra Bahadur KC said that the Maoist internal rift had obstructed the peace and constitution drafting process.