Prachanda's Pronouncement

Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has made an assessment of the current political situation with reference to the evolving political trends in the country. Speaking to the press to share the outcome of the fifth plenum of the CPN (Maoist) organised last week, Chairman Prachanda spoke on a large number of issues ranging from republicanism, people's revolt to election to the constituent assembly. Chairman Prachanda rightly reiterated the commitment of the Maoists to participate in the constituent assembly polls and ensure that the democratic process is allowed to garner a thumping success. However, he floated some caveats with regard to the constituent assembly and mentioned that reactionary elements may hatch a conspiracy against the successful holding of the polls to the constituent assembly. Moreover, he expressed his doubts over the democratic outcome of the constituent assembly polls as the King cannot be expected to renounce the throne even if the assembly decided in favour of a republic.

Regardless of the doubts and caveats, the outcome of the fifth plenum shared by Prachanda affirms that the CPN (Maoist) is determined to participate in the constituent assembly polls, and commitments expressed by its top boss is indicative of the fact that the party would like to establish a broader political front in favour of abolishing the monarchy and creating a basis for a republic and democratic Nepal. The disclosure that the party is going to form a panel headed by one of its senior leaders with the other political groups to hold dialogue with a view to establishing this broader alliance could be in place to fight for a republican Nepal in the elections to the constituent assembly. This sets at rest the unnecessary and motivated speculations that the Maoists are abandoning the path of peaceful democratic competition. Some forces have even attempted to cast aspersions on the well-intentioned moves of the Maoists and spread negative and prejudiced views on the decisions adopted in the plenum. As there is no substitution to a peaceful political process, the CPN (Maoist) should remain committed to the peaceful and democratic means of political transformation as has been upheld and maintained by its leader Prachanda time and again. A peaceful and fair polls to the constituent assembly will lead the country through a maze of confusions and uncertainties, for which all democratic and progressive forces should remain firm and united.

Source: The Rising Nepal, August 14, 2007