Joint Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Sarwar Tusher has said that political parties are gradually converging on the idea of holding a referendum to establish the legal and constitutional foundation of the July Charter.
Speaking to reporters during a lunch break at the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy, Tusher stated, “We can now say that almost all political parties agree that the July Charter must first have a solid legal basis.”
He noted that while the Commission had earlier proposed issuing a Constitutional Order, other parties have suggested alternatives such as a Legal Framework Order or a Referendum Ordinance.
“But the name isn’t the main issue,” Tusher said. “Whether it’s a Constitutional Order, Legal Framework Order, or Referendum Ordinance, our position is that a referendum should be held on that basis – ideally on the same day as the general election.”
Reiterating a key NCP demand, Tusher said the next elected parliament must have a dual mandate. “The next parliament should not function merely as a legislative body. It must also have the authority to bring about constitutional reforms that go beyond the powers of a regular parliament.”
He argued that certain proposals in the July Charter – such as limiting the prime minister’s term to two, establishing an upper house, and decentralising the High Court – require more than standard constitutional amendments.
On the position of the BNP, Tusher claimed the party is showing signs of flexibility. “It seems the BNP is now partially open to the idea of a referendum. We expect further clarification in their upcoming official briefing.”
Asked whether the referendum would address each proposal individually, Tusher said, “No referendum is held on 84 or 86 separate points. It will be a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question on whether the people approve the July Charter in its entirety.”
Responding to concerns about the Election Commission’s potential objections, he said, “The Commission operates under the current constitution. But what we are discussing here goes beyond several aspects of the existing framework.”
Tusher concluded by saying that public opinion will likely become more supportive once political parties unite behind the referendum. “The people already want the July Charter implemented. Earlier, the lack of unity among political parties held things back. But with consensus, public support will grow even stronger.”
