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Can Constructive Politics Prevail in Nepal?

Prakash Bom - 11/18/2007

Democratic state of affair for a nation inevitably evolves when people by large disagree with the status quo of the current system of government. This simply means people are economically repressed, ethnically marginalized and socially stratified. Therefore, people have neither democratic rights nor justice. Twelve years conflict has transformed the perception of people with the question "why would otherwise Maoists rebel with arms?" Even those people who oppose Maoists have not denied this perception.



Ours' is the nation of feudal traditions that justifies repression with the measure of social stratifications. This is how our socio-political minds are shaped. No matter how democratic or socialist or communist in principle we are our socio-political decisions get messed up with our traditionally evolved state of mind. April Uprising was extra-ordinary because it has transcended our state of mind. But it is the question whether people and leaderships will keep transforming themselves with their aspirations constructive way or turn back to the regression. It is the matter of changing our attitude.



In a difficult political transition period transformations that a leading political leadership can bring in fulfilling the aspirations of people might become the guideline for the nation. Under such critical momentum the leadership must be able to transcend his action above his own party line. For example, NC leaderships' rational to resolve the current political gridlock based on the constitutional amendment provision is erratic with their party's commitment to republic set-up. Once the party has committed to it that it cannot possibly miss the chance for such a momentum. Had NC legislators voted for the proposal to declare republic prior to CA elections as per leftist demand the intensity of the political gridlock could have been eased. Naturally, trust between SPA members could have been enhanced. After all, NC is committed to Republic setup. Obviously, it cannot rollback to the regression.



However, the demand that Sujata Koirala has made for the revival of the 1990 constitution draws likely picture for NC that it can take the path of regression in opposition to Maoists demands. How realistic is Sujata Koirala but her remark is pretty whimsical. Because, at this point if the gridlock is not resolved with the political consensus the nation can lead to a long civil war. NC that has committed to federal democratic republic cannot in principle lean on Nepal Army to control civil war. That will be considered coup on people's aspirations for democracy.



By all means, Maoists have taken democratic procedures with the proposal to the best of their ability. As a democratically committed political party this has been their priority. What makes NC leaderships obnoxious is their lack of faith in republic setup for immediate change. But if the nation is declared republic prior to CA elections then there will be no royalist regressive force to compete with. Obviously, this is the grave concern of Maoists. However, if NC can scrutinize the situation that if the nation is declared republic prior to CA elections royalist electorates might vote for NC or other democratic parties.



It is, of course, the interim constitution has to be amended first to declare the nation republic. Therefore, The upcoming regular session of interim Parliament cannot declare the nation republic. Legislative processes must be accomplished with the two third votes of the Parliament. It is obvious that with the leftist Parliament votes the constitution cannot be amended. Therefore, without the consensus of NC the nation cannot be declared republic. This means NC will be accountable for all political gridlocks that will drag the country to a failed nation status.



NC leaders have to stop making their arbitrary statements against current political gridlock to dispirit Maoists proposal. Maoists' proposal for republic declaration if not precipitately purposed is the mandate of People's Uprising. Maoists will have to compromise with the electoral system that has highest percent of proportional representations. The Parliamentary procedures for the possible amendment of the interim constitution must be initiated with the SPA consensus to declare nation republic prior to the CA elections whether the session will succeed with two third of votes or not.



It is democratic to challenge and pressure the concern party- in this case, Maoists pressuring interim government. It is also democratic to take the street and declare its own interim government. But it is contravene of the political consensus if Maoists oppose CA elections because terms of election are not in their favor. They are the one who have in fact raised the agenda during their insurgency. Now, by no means, they can oppose politically. If they do then their credential is in stake and their commitment to democracy is contentious.



The gridlock in democracy must be resolved with the consensus. If SPA can come up with the consensus the resolution can be achieved. But all SPA leaderships must look from beyond their party line interest. They must consider people's aspirations as the best interest of the nation. As now there will be more gridlocks even after the CA elections. For example, in restructuring the nation under the federal democratic republic setup disparity will be multiple. The model for it, for instance, is yet to be determined. It is syndicated that NC has accepted the federal system reluctantly and if NC still clings to the structures of a centrally controlled feudal governance system then there will be havoc during drafting the constitution of a new democratic Nepal.