What Is 2nd Federal Parliament of Nepal

Overview

The 2nd Federal Parliament of Nepal marks the second convocation of the country’s bicameral legislature since the adoption of the 2015 Constitution. It was formally inaugurated on March 13, 2023, following the federal and provincial elections held on November 20, 2022. This session reflects Nepal’s evolving democratic structure and power-sharing among major political parties.

The Federal Parliament comprises two houses: the House of Representatives (lower house) and the National Assembly (upper house). Its formation followed a competitive electoral process involving 79 political parties. The composition reflects a coalition-led government, balancing representation across ethnic, regional, and ideological lines.

• 275 members sit in the House of Representatives, with 165 elected through first-past-the-post (FPTP) and 110 via proportional representation (PR) from party lists.
• The National Assembly has 59 members, elected indirectly by an electoral college of local and provincial representatives using a single transferable vote system.
• General elections were held on November 20, 2022, with voter turnout recorded at approximately 69.4%, indicating strong public engagement.
• The Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, followed by CPN-UML with 78 seats, leading to a coalition government formation.
• Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire of CPN-UML was elected on January 19, 2023, marking a key leadership role in parliamentary proceedings.

How It Works

The 2nd Federal Parliament operates under Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, which established a federal democratic republic. It functions through legislative sessions, committee work, and inter-house coordination to pass laws and oversee governance.

• Term: The House of Representatives serves a five-year term unless dissolved earlier. The current term began in 2023 and is expected to last until 2028, barring early dissolution.
• Members of the House of Representatives are elected from 165 constituencies using FPTP, ensuring geographic representation across all seven provinces.
• Proportional representation seats are allocated based on a party’s national vote share, with a 3% threshold required to qualify for PR seat distribution.
• The National Assembly is a permanent body with one-third of its members renewed every two years, ensuring continuity in legislative oversight.
• Presiding officers, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, are elected from among members and play key roles in maintaining order and procedure.
• Parliament meets in sessions called by the President, typically convening twice a year, with special sessions possible during national emergencies.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1st and 2nd Federal Parliaments of Nepal across key structural and electoral dimensions:

This table shows structural continuity between the two parliaments, with identical chamber sizes and electoral systems. However, the 2nd Parliament reflects a more fragmented party landscape and increased coalition governance compared to the earlier majority-led administration.

Why It Matters

The 2nd Federal Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping Nepal’s democratic maturity, policy direction, and federal implementation. Its decisions impact constitutional reforms, budget allocation, and intergovernmental coordination.

• It oversees the implementation of 753 local governments established under federalism, ensuring fiscal and administrative decentralization.
• The Parliament is tasked with amending the Constitution if needed, including potential changes to electoral boundaries and provincial powers.
• It approves the national budget, with the 2023–24 budget totaling NPR 1.77 trillion, focusing on infrastructure and social development.
• Coalition dynamics require consensus-building, promoting inclusive governance but sometimes slowing legislative efficiency.
• Women hold 33.8% of seats in the House, exceeding the constitutional 33% minimum, reflecting progress in gender representation.
• Parliamentary committees scrutinize executive actions, enhancing transparency in sectors like energy, health, and foreign affairs.

As Nepal navigates political stability and federal integration, the 2nd Federal Parliament stands at the center of legislative innovation and democratic accountability, shaping the nation’s trajectory for years to come.