By Joe Ray.
Nepal’s parliament has passed a new constitution by 507 votes to 25.
Members of the Constituent Assembly cheered as the result was announced, marking an end to years of stalemate over its drafting.
The Himalayan nation has endured an extended period of political instability following the abolition of its Hindu monarchy in 2008.
The Rastirya Prajatantra Party campaigned at length for a return to Hinduism as the official state religion, and the Assembly’s rejection of the latter by more than two-thirds was met with protests by party supporters in the capital, Kathmandu.
The new secular constitution divides Nepal into seven federal provinces and is due to come into effect on 20th September. It replaces the interim constitution which has governed the country since it became a republic.
Nepalese Prime Minister, Sushil Koirala, tweeted that it was “an issue of pride for all Nepalis that the people’s constitution has been passed”.
For more information
Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal: www.opmcm.gov.np/en/
