Now For The CA Polls

Prem N. Kakkar

THE confusion and uncertainty regarding the constituent assembly (CA) election has ended with the government announcing November 22 this year as the date for holding it. It took a lot of exercise to finally announce the date. This came about after consultations among the leaders of the eight political parties. Though there was some delay in announcing the date, things are now expected to move in high gear.Awareness It is now for all the political parties to visit different parts of the country to create awareness about the importance of the constituent assembly election.

The constituent assembly will draft a new all-inclusive democratic constitution to take the country forward in the mission of creating political stability and emphasising the supremacy of the people.Though the CA polls were scheduled for this month, it could not materialise for various reasons, including lack of time to prepare for the exercise. The Election Commission (EC), too, had requested more time. Now there is adequate time to prepare for the election. However, some election laws have to be approved by the legislature parliament. If this is done, then everything will be set for the polls.

As the election is a new exercise for the country, the political parties must do the needful to make the people aware about the CA polls and its significance. Unity among the eight parties is also of great significance. Though the eight political parties are united at the moment, they will be contesting each other for the CA polls. Though the political parties will be rivals in the CA election, till then unity has to be there to safeguard the achievements that have been made in the past one year. If there are any differences, then they must be resolved through talks.

If this is not done, then the elements that do not want the CA polls will conspire against the gains that have been made.It is also important that the political leaders speak more cautiously instead of blaming a leader or party for anything that goes wrong. Of course, it is still a learning process as we are moving in a new direction.An important development is that talks with the agitating groups are continuing so that a conducive environment can be created for holding the election within the specified timeframe. Everyone realises that the CA polls will bring about radical changes in the political landscape of the country.

Once the election is held in a free, fair and impartial manner, it will be the CA members who will have enormous responsibilities on their shoulders. It is also clear that the CA members can take any decision through a simple majority. In fact, the success of the CA polls calls for the commitment of all the political parties. Now it is time to gear up for the polls, and the coming few months will be crucial.The first meeting of the constituent assembly will decide the fate of the monarchy, so it is unnecessary to dwell on the issue at the moment.

But there are some who are making it an issue at the present time. Even the amendment effected in the interim statute is clear on the point. So, instead of making it an issue, all the parties and leaders should focus on the CA polls and co-operate in maintaining law and order in the country. Only this will create the environment to hold the polls in a peaceful manner. On this Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is committed and has even said that it is his responsibility. But co-operation from all should be forthcoming for the objective to take concrete shape.

Mass participation

For the new exercise that the country is embarking on, there must be a sustained campaign to generate awareness among the people about the election. This will provide the inputs so that massive participation of the people in the election is possible. This is needed to make the polls a grand success.