Maoist 22-Point Demand : Way To The Future

Vijaya Chalise

Following the Communist Party of Nepal-Moist (CPN-Maoist) protest programmes to press for its 22-point demand put at the eight-party meeting, some of the political leaders are saying that it could have an adverse impact on the peace process. The 22-point proposal to ensure that the CA polls are held on November 22 includes, among others, the declaration of a republican set up, proportional election system, round table conference with the different interest groups and implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement.

Pressing demands

One can presume that two of the demands are particularly pressing - declaration of a republic and a fully proportional election system. The party wants the proclamation of a republic by the Interim legislative parliament prior to the CA elections as it sees the monarchy as the main hindrance to the CA polls. Similarly, the Maoists believe that the state should first address the issue of the various indigenous, ethnic and Madhesi groups, and a round table conference alone could address their demands. Obviously, a round table conference might be a suitable way of assuring full representation of the oppressed ethnic and indigenous nationalities, women, dalits and Madhesis. The statement issued by the CPN-Maoist states that in the past, the party had shown flexibility over its demands for a republican set up and a federal structure for the country as well as proportional election system so as not to disrupt the peace process. However, the events following the developments in Madhes have shown that the CA poll is not possible unless the proportional representation of all the marginalised classes, castes, regions, communities and genders and civil society is ensured, the statement says.

However, some leaders from different parties argue that it was not necessary to come up with the demands as the eight parties have agreed to carve the country's political set up after the CA polls. They fear if the demands are not fulfilled it might have an adverse impact on the peace process, including the Constituent Assembly election. They even accuse the Maoist party of trying to stall the CA election by launching the protest program. But as the credit for declaring the Constitution Assembly elections and high people's awareness about it goes mainly to the CPN-Maoist and its long people's movement against feudal regimes in the past, doubts about their stance on the CA polls are irrational.Although the Constitution Assembly polls are now just 89 days away, most of the political parties do not seem to be mentally prepared for them. They have not prepared their election manifesto, although the CPN (UML) has formed a committee to prepare one. The Nepali Congress has not even formed a committee to draft the party's manifesto as they are waiting their unification. The Nepali Congress and Nepali Congress (Democratic) want unification prior to the polls as they think the NC will not wield enough influence if they go separate ways.

The Maoists, on the other hand, have reached a conclusion that the CA poll could face many hurdles until there is the existence of a conservative feudal institution, which sounds realistic. For this reason, the Maoist party has demanded the proclamation of a republican state. Obviously, until there is a power that is always creating obstacles against radical changes in the country, there cannot be a favourable environment for the CA polls.Undeniably, not only Maoists but all the people, including the political parties, should be aware of the reactionary forces that are busy conspiring to foil the achievements of the people's movement-2. Though the May 18 (2006) historic declaration of the House of Representatives (HoR) has confirmed the supremacy of the Nepali people, by giving a permanent structure of a republican federal democracy, the people are not fully assured.Thus, the need to bid farewell to the authoritarian elements from the national political arena cannot be denied. Therefore, as soon as the major political parties realise this objective reality, the aspiration expressed by the people through the historic Jana Andolan last year can be fulfilled. No one should, therefore, be hesitant about proclaiming the country a republic prior to the CA polls.

The need of the hour is not a verbal commitment. The need is of creating an honest environment that is favourable for holding the elections successfully. As time is running short, the political parties should realise that they have not yet been able to inform and educate the general mass about the importance of the CA poll from the political perspective. The parties and leaders must work hard to make the people aware about the importance of the Constituent Assembly elections. The CA polls are the main entrance for epochal changes and in the creation of a new Nepal. Obviously, there is no alternative to a republican democratic system. The current scenario presents evidences that conservative feudal forces led by pro-palace factions have been instigating different elements to derail the polls and create anarchism in the country.

Lasting Solution

This provides an opportunity for foreign forces to convert Nepal into a playing ground. Keeping this in mind, it is time for the political parties to come out with their manifestos so as to intensify the debates and discussions on the future of the Nepali state under a new republican constitution. It is a high time to seek a lasting political solution, as people are pinning high hopes on the success of the peace process, with all the political forces of the country, including the Maoists, expressing flexibility in their past stances. One hopes the meeting of the eight-party leadership will sort out their differences and stand united to fulfill the people's aspirations.

Source: The Rising Nepal, August 24, 2007