A new constitution has finally been ratified after years of disputes and delays in Nepal.It will be divided into seven federal provinces, a move aimed at devolving power from the capital Kathmandu.But some ethnic groups say the division leaves them under-represented in parliament. They include the Madhesi and Tharu ethnic minorities, who mainly live in the southern plains along the border with India.Its the first constitution drafted by representatives of the people. In the past, constitutions were either written by the monarch or by a committee selected by the king or queen.So, will the new constitution bring stability to Nepal or lead to further unrest?Presenter: Laura KyleGuests:Shiwani Newpanay, co-founder of Story South Asia, a website dedicated to South Asian affairs.Prashant Jha, associate editor of the Hindustan Times in India.Mara Malagodi, lecturer in law at City University London.

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Watch Nepal’s Constitutional challenges on Al Jazeera English.
In Nepal, citizens are fed up with politicians’ inability to finalize their country’s constitution, a process which has been ongoing since 2008. Many of Nepal’s minority groups want their own states, citizenship, and simply to have their rights officially recognised. Why has it taken so long to develop a constitution, and what impact is the stalemate having on citizens?

Just as Nepalese speakers were noted debating during this episode – the majority are simply claiming recognition to the mainstream governance of the secular Nepal. Even the 30 minute show had to be stopped with hopeful assurance that the issue will be extended to next episode and it can be related that delay of Nepal’s constitution development provided it works towards “responsible delivery”.

The actual ones complicating the “federalism” issue are the leaders and spokesperson who extremely fear the ethnic harmony going out of “their prejudice” control!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful it “these mindsets” are reminded on the need of sharing “elite power – of both thoughts and governance” and think further ahead to deal with their perceived threat of “continued rebel from 100s of identity hungry ethnic groups if any one of them is acknowledged” (which they love repeating over and over again). “These mindsets” need to be aware that they are actually helping the growth of hatred, injustice and racist thoughts in public discourse !

Time to alter the discourse towards putting up a creative “self governance plan of action” instead of prolonged rebel that can be further exploited by “undercover racists” whose economic interests are best served in keeping Nepalese divided and debated! – Rajesh Bajracharya