Running Local Bodies

THE local bodies have been without elected representatives for years. As a result, people have been facing tremendous problems. The civil servants are now running the local bodies, which is not in line with democratic practices and the concept of decentralised governance. After the success of Jana Andolan II and restoration of democracy, an all-party democratic government was formed at the centre. People had thought alternative measures would be taken to run the local bodies. However, no decision has been taken to run the local bodies. In the absence of people's representatives, some major development-related decisions have not been taken. It is obvious that civil servants often hesitate to take any bold decision at the local level. Thus, local development activities have been affected. Against this background, the political parties, civil society and local people have been demanding that some alternative arrangement be made to run the local bodies. Since an all-party government is functioning at the centre, a similar exercise can be carried out at the local level as well. Local self-governance enhances democracy at the grassroots, as it empowers people to take decisions for their needs.

Local bodies function vibrantly in a democracy. The local bodies not only cater to the needs of the people but also act as a genuine agent for development at the grassroots level. In the absence of local authorities, the people's problems cannot be addressed. The best alternative is to hold election to the local bodies. But in the present context, election to the local bodies does not seem possible as the country is making preparations for the election to a constituent assembly. The election to the local bodies can be held only after the constituent assembly writes a new constitution. The election to a constituent assembly and writing a new constitution will, however, take a long time. Thus, election to the local bodies may not be possible in the next couple of years. It is not good to keep the local bodies without people's representatives for years. Thus, alternative arrangements must be made to run the local bodies by the people's representatives. For this, the eight parties need to discuss seriously and arrive at a common ground for running the local bodies. Since it is the issue of the people, the political parties must not think which party gains and which party loses. They should decide taking into account the overall interest of the people and the nation. This is the spirit of a democratic and coalition culture.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 18, 2007