Nepal, Oct. 5 -- Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has called for greater openness in Parliament and political parties, saying lawmakers and party members must have space to question their leaders freely.

Addressing the opening of the Nepali Congress' 15th General Convention at Khula Manch (Open Theater) in Kathmandu on Sunday, Thapa said Parliament could not be considered truly open until the prime minister appeared before lawmakers with due respect for the institution.

"The first open forum we need is inside Parliament. Parliament is not open; it is closed," Thapa said. "Until the prime minister respectfully appears before the lawmakers who elected him, Parliament cannot be considered open in the true sense."

Thapa also raised c...