New Basis For Unity : Rescheduled Time For CA Polls

Yuba Nath Lamsal

THE cloud hovering in Nepal's political landscape has now been clear with the consensual decision among the constituents of seven-party alliance and the Maoists regarding the election to a constituent assembly. There should be no doubt from any quarters about the intention of the government in holding the constituent assembly election in a free and fair manner.

Agreement

The government, of course, failed to hold the elections in mid-June this year as it was politically agreed right from the signing of the comprehensive national peace agreement between the government and the Maoists that formally ended the decade long-Maoist armed insurgency. The basis of all political agreements and understandings between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists was the constituent assembly election. Thus, it was also mentioned in the interim constitution to hold the constituent assembly election by mid-June. Failure to hold the election by mid-June is not only a violation of the interim constitution but also a breach of the political understanding and basis of unity among the eight parties.

Delay in holding the constituent assembly has been attributed to various factors. However, it was the slow pace of the government in taking decision is the prime cause for the delay as all the political decisions were not taken on scheduled time that were necessary for the timely election. Be it the promulgation of the interim constitution, formation of the interim parliament, management of arms or formation of Maoist included interim government, all processes were delayed. Given the delay in taking political decisions in time as per the agreement reached early that set specific schedule for every decision, it appeared as though the major constituents of the seven-party alliance were not prepared and willing to hold elections. The reason is obvious as these parties were not confident of their position in the constituent assembly election.

The external factor has always played a crucial role in Nepal's political and other decisions. The international community has always been supportive for democratic movement and social and economic development. Be it the political changes in 1951, 1990 or 2006, the international support and influence was important. The 2006 April Uprising, which forced the king to bow down in 19 days, would not have been successful in such a short time without the strong support from the internationals community and friends. For this, Nepalese people are thankful to the international community and friends of Nepal.

However, the role played by some foreign powers especially after the success of the Jana Andolan II has been unfortunate for Nepal and Nepalese people. Some foreign powers do not appear content with the emerging political equation in Nepal and growing influence of the leftist forces in general and the Maoists in particular. The foreign powers want a rightist alliance to contain the leftist forces in Nepal. It has been agreed that the first meeting of the constituent assembly would decide the fate of the monarchy. Given the current mood of the people nationwide, it seems that the constituent assembly would declare the nation a republic. The rightist and feudal elements that have thrived in Nepal for over 238 years under the protection and patronage of the monarchy will have to wash off their hand from political, administrative and military power if monarchy was abolished. This force is now seeking interference from the external forces so that the rightist forces can retain their existence in Nepal. At the same time, these elements are trying to create chaos and uncertainty in order to thwart the process of constituent assembly election on the one hand and seeking foreign interference on the other with the hope that delay in constituent assembly polls would given them time to regroup and sabotage the entire process. The external forces are acting at the behest of the feudal and rightist elements to sabotage the new political and peace process in Nepal which is a main reason in the delay regarding the constituent assembly elections.

This is interference in the internal affairs of Nepal, which is unfortunate and condemnable as it is against the normal diplomatic norms and values. More unfortunate is the attitude of some of our political parties that seek foreign interference to go to power and retain it. This attitude of the political parties is an insult to the sovereign people. All political parties, irrespective of their ideology and political leaning, must be united on national issues and guard collectively against any kind of attempts from anywhere to interfere in our national affairs. Nepalese people are capable enough to decide their own affairs so that political forces need to settle their differences and take decisions on political affairs on their own for the larger interest of the nation and the people. The tendency of seeking external influence and interference in Nepal's affairs for the partisan interest would ultimately put the national sovereignty at stake, which we have seen in several countries both at our next door and beyond.

Now the eight parties have agreed to hold the constituent assembly election by November this year and it must be held within the rescheduled time. The constituent assembly election is directly linked to the political and peace process that began after the success of the Jana Andolan II. The political and peace process would not be complete until the constituent assembly election is held that would restructure the state, ensure a genuine inclusive democracy and establish sustainable peace in the country.

Basis

The Maoist chairman Prachanda has repeatedly said that the basis of the unity between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists is the decision to hold the constituent assembly election by mid-June 2007. Since the constituent assembly election is not going to be held in mid-June, the basis of unity between the seven party alliance and the Maoist has been broken. Thus, the Maoist chairman has sought a new basis for unity. In the present context, the unity of the eight parties must be kept intact in order to safeguard the achievements of the Jana Andolan II and complete the political and peace process. Thus, eight parties need to make the rescheduled dates for the constituent assembly elections a new basis of unity and work in a collective and cooperative manner to complete the political process.

Source: The Rising Nepal, June 5, 2007