September 6:  The Election Commission (EC) has expressed displeasure over the continuation of terms of parliamentarians including the members of House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly members even after the filing of nominations for the upcoming election. The EC has termed it as an inappropriate decision.    
The EC made a formal remark over the issue on Monday after the government tabled the 'Bill designed to amend some Nepal Acts' with the provision that the tenure of the incumbent MPs will expire only upon the commencement of the first meeting of the newly-elected MPs after the fresh election.    
The EC also recalled the practice of consulting with the EC in the processes of law formation and amendment adding that Article 246 of the Constitution of Nepal has mentioned about the function, duties and rights, and procedures of the EC for the operation, monitoring, direction and control of the election under the federal laws.    
Furthermore, the EC has hinted that continuation of the tenure of the MPs could be against the spirit of the election code of conduct if the MPs were vying again in the election. Articles 85 and 177 of the constitution provides for a five-year term of the members of HoR and Provincial Assembly members.    
"The date for the general elections was announced following consultation that it would be practical and non-disputable to count the term of members of House of Representative and Province Assembly members from the first elected date as there is no clarity regarding beginning of their term," the EC said.    
In a statement issued on Monday EC Spokesperson, Shaligram Sharma Poudel said that it does not seem relevant to amend the law to make it otherwise in case of the term of the HoR and Province Assembly members at a time when election date has been announced and preparations for it is already underway.    
The EC further said that the new proposed provisions regarding the tenure of the members of parliament would create more confusion. -- RSS