CA Polls: Reminder To Political Parties

Prem N. Kakkar

THE fanfare with which the date for the constituent assembly polls was announced is still vividly etched in the minds of the people in general. It was the great delay that had left the people rather confused as to whether the polls would ever be held. Though late, the affirmation of holding the polls came through the announcement of the date for it.

Deadlock

The delay, as is understandable, arose from the disagreement among the eight parties that are in the government. Often trivial issues were blown up, raising doubts and suspicions among the coalition members. That was rather unfortunate as the country was heading for the important landmark, that is, holding the CA election that would carve the future of the country.The hectic parleys of the top political leaders of the eight parties broke the deadlock, making it possible for the date to be finalised and announced. Now it is a mere 96 days for the set date to arrive and give the much-awaited opportunity for the people to vote. Yet, many things remain unclear about the said election. As is well known, the majority of the people are still unaware of the importance for going to the historic exercise. On this score, the political parties are yet to hit the campaign trail. It is not understood why the political parties are taking it so lightly when in rhetoric they sound very upbeat.

Unlike the general elections, the CA polls are markedly different. So the parties have to draw up a different strategy for it. Yet, the only thing that the parties are doing is saying publicly that if the polls cannot be held then it will prove disastrous for the country. Instead of making such remarks why don't all the parties make an effort to hold the election no matter what the situation.In the present situation, there are many problems confronting the government. Every partner in the government is equally responsible for the delay in resolving the various burning issues of the present time. It is peace that is a pre-condition for the CA polls to be held successfully. But, looking at the national scenario, there is very little to generate satisfaction. The problems in the Terai have to be solved at the earliest. As the delay goes on, many more armed groups have surfaced in the Terai region complicating the issue. The government has extended the olive branch, yet nothing concrete has been reached.

There is sincerity of the government in solving the problem, but there has been dissent from the coalition partners themselves. This is quite unfortunate. All the coalition partners should have, in fact, joined their heads together to resolve the problems. There are many genuine demands of the agitating groups which should be met in the best manner possible. The government talks team is doing the needful despite the fact that it is overburdened, and while sitting for talks with one or the other groups, it needs time due to lack of total homework. This aspect must receive utmost attention in the days to come. This must be realised by the eight party leaders that such a situation cannot be lengthened.What is equally disturbing is that neither the cabinet nor the leaders of the eight parties are meeting these days. When all want the unity among the eight parties to be maintained, then why this unusual phase? It is now run up to the CA polls, and the calls made to the parties to head for the villages and districts do no seem to be working. Even the chief election commissioner is surprised by the lack of enthusiasm of the political parties to hit the campaign trail. The Election Commission is reported to have made its preparations for the polls, but the parties are not doing the needful.

It is the political parties that must take up the issue seriously by immediately venturing to the villages and districts for the election campaign instead of remaining cooped up in the capital and making contradictory statements, which does not help in the creation of a new Nepal.

Seriousness

It is high time that the eight party leaders met and chalked out the future path. Only then will they be able to convince the electorate that they are doing the right thing and exhibit their unity. Concrete action is needed at the moment to ensure that everyone is seriously interested in having the CA polls held successfully. The people are important, and this must be genuinely realised by the political parties.

Source: The Rising Nepal, August 17, 2007