A delegation headed by Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), participated in a full-day discussion on Saturday with the National Consensus Commission. The session focused on a series of proposed reforms aimed at reshaping the country’s political and constitutional structure. Among the key proposals discussed were imposing a two-term limit on both the presidency and premiership, and setting the term length for the president, prime minister, and government at four years.
The delegation also proposed removing the four fundamental principles of the 1972 Constitution and eliminating partisan ideology from state affairs. Another major reform on the table was granting constitutional recognition to all ethnic and indigenous communities, thereby promoting inclusivity. In line with modern digital needs, they suggested declaring internet access a fundamental right. They further stressed the importance of ensuring absolute fundamental rights that would be enforceable through the judiciary.
Additionally, the group recommended lowering the voting age to 16 and reducing the minimum age requirement for candidacy to 23. A structural change was also suggested in parliament, with a proposal to make it mandatory for one of the deputy speakers to come from the opposition. To prevent excessive concentration of power, they called for the separation of the roles of the prime minister and the party chief, along with adopting a cabinet-led system of governance.
Educational qualifications for electoral candidates were proposed to be removed, while a minimum age of 33 was suggested for individuals vying for positions in the upper house. They also pushed for making the appointment of an ombudsman a constitutional obligation and lifting all current restrictions on constitutional amendments. Moreover, they recommended granting constitutional status to the Anti-Corruption Commission, and proposed that all judges and government officials be required to publicly declare their assets as part of promoting transparency and accountability.
