One Year Of Democracy

Geja Sharma Wagle

The past one year has been a significant historical period for establishing democracy, peace and people's supremacy. Declaring that sovereign power and state power rest with the Nepali people, the interim constitution and the historical proclamation of the House of Representatives (HoR) have established the principles of people's supremacy, democracy and rule of law. They are steps for abolishing the feudal structure.

Central issue

There were many political, social, economic and cultural problems to be resolved. But the monarchy remained the central issue for the political parties, civil society and the Nepali people. Considering the people's aspiration, mandate of the movement, and the agenda of the parties, the Eight Party Alliance (EPA) made a historic and revolutionary decision and suspended the monarchy through the interim constitution until the constituent assembly (CA) election. Moreover, they have agreed to decide the fate of the monarchy by the first-ever meeting of the constituent assembly. Now, all the state authorities of the king have been transferred to the prime minister constitutionally, and there is no constitutional space for the king in the constitution.

In fact, the king is suspended in the real sense, and the supremacy of the people has been established constitutionally on the strength of people power for the first time in the history of Nepal. By having the right to decide the fate of the monarchy, now, the supremacy of the people has been established in real terms. Probably, no king would dare to challenge the people's supremacy in the future. Therefore, the constitution has laid a strong philosophical foundation for formal putting an end to the monarchy and establishing a democratic republic. Institutionalising the achievements of the historic movement, Nepal has entered into a new democratic, inclusive and egalitarian era. The constitution has established the universal principles of democratic values, people's supremacy, multiparty democracy, rule of law, human rights and press freedom. Accepting the democratic values and principles, people's supremacy, and progressive transformation of the state as the guiding principles of the constitution, the EPA has agreed to promulgate the constitution. Furthermore, the constitution has institutionalised the achievements of the April revolution, the momentous proclamation of the HoR, and all the agreements reached between the government and the Maoists in the past.

Terming it a historic change, all the political parties, civil society and professional organisations welcomed and urged the government and the Maoists to abide by the constitution in both letter and spirit. They have defined it as a landmark constitution for putting an end to the feudal structure. Even the international community has welcomed the constitution, saying it will pave the way for democracy, peace and prosperity. The United Nations, India, the United States, United Kingdom, China and the European Union have warmly welcomed the constitution and urged the government and the Maoists to put their words into action for the sake of institutional development of democracy and safeguarding the people's rights. They have even promised to support the ongoing peace process and to respect the people's verdict in the constituent assembly polls, including on the fate of the monarchy. The constitution has substituted 'His Majesty's Government' by 'Nepal Government'. Even the king's action can be questioned in the parliament as well as in a court of law and the king's private property and income would be taxed. Likewise, the budget, allowance, and facilities of the palace would be decided by the parliament. The parliament will decide who will succeed the throne.

Political landscape

The April revolution and the constitution are set to change the political, socio-economic and cultural landscape and redefine state power in Nepal. It, thus, is not the only momentous moment for the Nepali people in terms of democracy and freedom. It has also sent a powerful message to the rest of the world how people's supremacy has been established through the peaceful popular movement. However, the main objectives of the movement are yet to be achieved. In fact, holding the CA polls, drafting a democratic and inclusive constitution and restructuring the state are the agenda of the movement. Therefore, all the political parties, including the EPA government, need to stay united to hold the CA election by putting aside their differences for the sake of the newly established democracy.

Source: The Rising Nepal, April 30, 2007