House Decision

THE special session of the parliament reached a majority decision in which it concurred on a federal democratic republic ahead of the Constituent Assembly elections and a fully proportional election system. The special session saw intense deliberations for a protracted period amongst the leaders of the political parties and the parliamentarians. That this decision was reached augurs well for the peace and democratic process of the country that at one time looked like floundering, much to the chagrin of the people at large who had made great sacrifices.

At one time, it was feared that the Seven Party Alliance was on the verge of breaking up as the negotiations were taking place, but finally reason prevailed, and the alliance remained intact. Unity amongst the political parties is crucial at this time, especially at a time when efforts are underway to hold the Constituent Assembly elections. This has now opened the way for declaring the date for the Constituent Assembly elections that would decide the future course the country would take. Due to adverse circumstances, the elections had to be postponed twice. This had drawn not only widespread anxiety in the country, but also of the international community that wanted to see the successful culmination of the peace and democratic process.

However, what is to be noted is that the parliament had failed to garner the required two-third majority to immediately declare the country a republic by changing the interim constitution. The decision reached by the House comes at a time when it is being questioned if the Constituent Assembly elections can be held in a free and fair manner without fear and intimidation of the voters. There are regressive elements that are bent on creating an environment that is not congenial for the holding of the elections. Such attempts should be thwarted and the disgruntled elements, some of whom have genuine grievances, should come to the negotiating table to sort out matters so that the important exercise of holding the Constituent Assembly elections can be brought to fruition.

In any case, the House decision should be hailed by all accounts as there was giving and taking on key issues in the proposals, whereby the Maoists withdrew its motion for the immediate declaration of a republic and the consequent UML support for a fully proportional electoral system. Now that various issues that served as impediments for the successful holding of the Constituent Assembly polls have been thrashed out, the country looks forward to the continuation of the democratic exercise with the hope that the peace achieved in the country will be lasting.

Source: The Rising Nepal, November 7, 2007