In this picture taken on Nov 12, 2022, former television host and then candidate in Nepal's general election Rabi Lamichhane gestures as he speaks during an interview with AFP in Padampur. (PHOTO / AFP)
KATHMANDU – Nepal's Supreme Court on Friday scrapped Rabi Lamichhane's status as a member of the House of Representatives on the grounds that he did not have the Nepali citizenship when he contested the elections, thus rendering his post as deputy prime minister and home minister void.
"As Lamichhane didn't acquire the Nepali citizenship even after renouncing the American citizenship, he cannot hold the position of lawmaker," reads the ruling from a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court.
One must be a Nepali citizen to form a party, contest elections and hold public offices in Nepal
As chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party which was founded months ago, Lamichhane took office as deputy prime minister and home minister on Dec 26, 2022 when the new coalition government was formed, since his party became the fourth largest in the lower house in the Nov. 20 general elections.
"As a consequence of the verdict, Lamichhane, who doesn't have a valid citizenship, cannot continue to hold the ministerial position and lead his party," Bimal Poudel, spokesperson of the Supreme Court, told Xinhua.
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One must be a Nepali citizen to form a party, contest elections and hold public offices in Nepal.