1.5 Governance Systems in Nepal

Nepal is a federal democratic republic located in South Asia. The governance system of Nepal has gone through significant changes in recent years. Here are the key components of the governance system in Nepal:

1. Constitution: Nepal adopted a new constitution on September 20, 2015 (Nepal ko Sambidhan 2072), replacing the interim constitution that had been in place since the end of the armed conflict in 2006. The constitution establishes Nepal as a federal democratic republic and outlines the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens.
2. Federal Structure: The constitution of Nepal established a federal structure, dividing the country into seven provinces. These provinces have their own provincial governments, headed by a Chief Minister, and each province is further divided into districts.
3. Executive Branch: The President of Nepal is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The President is elected by an electoral college comprising the members of the federal parliament and provincial assemblies. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party or coalition with a majority in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the federal parliament.
4. Legislative Branch: The federal parliament of Nepal is bicameral and consists of two houses: the House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha) and the National Assembly (Rashtriya Sabha). The House of Representatives has 275 members elected through a mixed electoral system, with a combination of both direct and proportional representation. The National Assembly has 59 members, including 56 members elected by an electoral college of provincial assembly members and three members appointed by the President.
5. Judiciary: The judiciary in Nepal is independent and is responsible for interpreting and upholding the laws of the country. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority and serves as the final court of appeal. The Chief Justice heads the Supreme Court.
6. Local Governance: Nepal has a system of local governance known as local bodies or local governments. There are two levels of local bodies: rural municipalities, municipalities. Each level has elected representatives who are responsible for local administration, service delivery, and development at the grassroots level.

It is important to note that political dynamics and governance systems can evolve over time, so it is advisable to consult up-to-date sources for the most current information on governance systems in Nepal.