CA Poll Campaign : Hectic Pace Missing

Prem N. Kakkar

THE environment for the Constituent Assembly election ought to have heated up with only 68 days remaining for the all-important occasion. But looking at the political scenario, everything seems to be in the shadows. This is something disconcerting for the ordinary people who are eagerly waiting for the day when they will be able to exercise this right for the first time in the history of the country.

Maoist agenda

It is true that the demand for the declaration of a republic is to be made by the Constituent Assembly, but there has been a great deal of dilly dallying, with the political parties not doing the needful in this regard. The Maoists have come up with their 22-point programme and a resolution to start a movement from the streets. This came all of a sudden after their meeting some time back. They may have their own reasons for taking this decision, and the other coalition partners are looking at it with keen interest. How the Maoists will go ahead with their movement and the fulfilment of the 22-point programme is yet to be seen. It seems that the political climate is in a flux.The eight parties in the recent days once again are showing more differences than agreements. This is rather unfortunate as the CA polls are just round the corner. This is the time to exhibit greater unity to foil any attempts by regressive elements. Prime Minister Koirala also has gone on record to say that a "game" is being plotted against national unity and sovereignty. He, however, did not name any particular element.This is the time when all such elements must be brought to light and action taken against them. These are the same elements that do not want to see the interest of the people and the country but are after their vested interest only.

In this connection, it is heartening to note that a number of agreements have been made with some agitating groups, but there is still a long way to go. The foremost task is for the government to implement the agreements, and at the same time hold further talks with the other disgruntled groups.It is the political mainstream that all must join to keep intact national unity and sovereignty. However, there will always be elements that want to work against the welfare of the people. This is where extra alertness and vigilance of the people and the political parties are needed.In this connection, the decision of the Nepali Congress to go for a federal democratic republic is also making headlines though it has to be officially approved by the NC General Council which is slated to meet in 10 days' time. The shift in the standpoint is the necessity of the time. Meanwhile, the unification of the NC and NC (D) is also on the verge of being finalised. These developments show the NC's commitment to holding the CA polls on the stated date. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Maoists might want to postpone the CA polls for a later date. How far there is truth in this will be ascertained soon.

At the same time, the Maoists are organising a roundtable meeting. Instead, they should have gone for forging greater unity among the eight parties. That is the need of the hour. There are many who say that the eight parties ought to have a united stand while going to the CA election. But rather confusing hints are coming at the moment. This means that the parties have not set out on their poll campaign to the villages and the districts. That shows some sort of indifference. Whatever that may be, the parties must make their stance clear without mincing words. Moreover, the Maoists must clarify what they mean when they say they are going for a movement to create a conducive environment for the CA polls.

Poll campaign

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is going forward in organising orientation programmes for the election officers in various parts of the country. It is doing a commendable job. Now it is for the political parties to follow suit by actively taking part in the poll campaign.

Source: The Rising Nepal, September 15, 2007