NC's Stand On Republicanism

MINISTER for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel, inaugurating a building of the Tanahu District development Committee, has made it clear that republicanism is the ideal of the Nepali Congress (NC) party. He also stated that a republican set-up in Nepal was the goal of the NC. The Nepali Congress has all along been dedicated to the spirit of democracy and has waged a struggle against authoritarian regimes for more than half a century. It was this that gave the NC the strength to join hands with the other political parties that led to the success of Jana Andolan II last year. With Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as the chief executive, the government is committed to holding the constituent assembly election for which the date has already been announced. On this score, minister Poudel said that there was no reason why the CA polls cannot take place within the given timeframe. It is important to note that the members can take any decision by a simple majority. It must also be remembered that there are elements that do not want the CA polls to be held and are trying to hatch conspiracies. Everyone must be alert against such elements that want to disturb the CA polls.

Democracy must be consolidated under the present circumstances. Therefore, unity among the eight political parties must be maintained at all cost. For this, there must be commitment and confidence among the parties. Petty matters must not be allowed to disturb the harmony and unity. If there are any contentious issues, they must be resolved through dialogue. To thwart any mischief from the regressive elements, the eight political parties must remain united so that the supremacy of the people is maintained. Now there is every indication that the CA polls will be held in time, and the elected members will draft a new constitution for the creation of a new Nepal. A major factor for holding the CA polls is the requirement of some legal tools, which must be approved by the legislature parliament. Once this is done, the Election Commission can move forward with its specified task. The maintenance of law and order is another important issue. With focus on these issues, the CA election can be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 30, 2007