President is the Head of the State. The government system of Nepal is a parliamentary system of government. In a parliamentary system of government, the Prime Minister is the head of Government but the President is only the nominal Head of the State.
Role of the President in the Constitution of Nepal
To protect and promote national unity: The President plays a great role to protect and promote national unity by strengthening the feeling of patriotism in people. The President should not do anything in favor of political parties in the government. The Constitution of Nepal clearly states that the President should protect and promote national unity.
To abide by the Constitution and protect the Constitution:
The President is not free to do anything as he or she wishes. The President can do only those things that are permitted by the Constitution and law. If the President does any action against the provisions of the constitution then he or she may be subjected to impeachment.
To perform functions on the recommendation and with the consent of the Council of Ministers:
The President is only a nominal head of the state. The President has to perform his/her actions according to the recommendation and consent of the council of ministers.
To assent on the bill:
According to Article 113 of the Constitution, Certifying the bill by the President is an important part of making law. Without certifying the President, any bill cannot become law. Therefore, it's important to have assent on the bill by the president to enforce new laws.
To issue ordinance:
According to Article 114 of the Constitution, If at any time, except when both Houses of the Federal Parliament are not in session, then the Ordinance can only be promulgated by the President on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
To declare or order a state of emergency:
Article 273 of the Constitution of Nepal has provided the President with the Power of Emergency. The President can only declare or order a state of emergency if a grave emergency arises regarding sovereignty, territorial integrity of Nepal, or the security of any part of Nepal by war, external aggression, armed rebellion, etc.
To grant pardons:
According to Article 276 of the Constitution, the President can grant pardon, suspend, commute, or remit any sentence passed by any Court, judicial or quasi-judicial body, or administrative body.
Titles, Honoured, and Decorations:
Article 277 of the Constitution of Nepal provides power to the President to confer titles, honors, and decorations on behalf of the State.
Role of President as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Army:
Article 267 of the Constitution of Nepal states that the President is the supreme commander-in-chief of the Nepal Army. The President can mobilize the Nepal Army on the recommendation of the National Security Council and the decision of the Government of Nepal in the case where a grave emergency arises regarding the sovereignty or territorial integrity or security of Nepal by war, external aggression, armed rebellion, etc.
Constitutional Appointment:
The President is the head of the state and he or she must appoint various officers for various posts on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. For example, the President appoints the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Officers of Constitutional Bodies, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and so on.