Bracing for Maiden Joint Session of Federal Parliament 

Sabika Shrestha

The first joint session of Nepal’s newly elected House of Representatives and the permanent National Assembly is all set to for Thursday.

This marks the formal beginning of new session, where the ruling Rastriya Swantra Party RSP has a unique composition of zero representation in the upper house.

An all-party meeting was held on the eve in Singhadurbar to discuss the agenda and coordinate procedures ahead of the historic session.

The temporary hall, arranged to accommodate both ruling and opposition lawmakers, features the Speaker’s seat at the top, while seating is divided into four sections from left to right.

The first two sections are for opposition parties, the front rows of the third section for ministers, and the remaining third section along with the fourth section for members of the ruling side. 

Speaking about the preparations, Eak Ram Giri, Spokesperson at the parliament secretariat said, formal schedule for the election of the Speaker of the lower house is likely to be published on Thursday itself. 

Giri said, “the agenda includes party remarks, presentation of three ordinances, and the Speaker’s program. The house chair, the eldest member in this case, will issue instructions tomorrow, with the election likely on April 5.”

Meanwhile, security arrangements for the maiden joint session have been made with Nepal Police personnel conducting mock drills including safeguarding rostrum and protecting the invasion.      

The new House of Representatives includes members from six national parties, led by the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a commanding majority in the March elections, along with one independent lawmaker. 

Thursday’s first parliamentary session is expected to focus on procedural matters, including formal introductions, speeches from party representatives, and presentation of ordinances, while the election of the Speaker and formation of committees will take place in subsequent meetings. 

The session represents both a practical beginning and a symbolic step in Nepal’s democratic renewal under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

As the temporary parliamentary house is ready for its first federal parliament session, the nation now awaits clear policies and decisive action.