Uneasy marriage

The Nepali Congress split up mainly because of its internal struggle over power and position. Reunification efforts are stumbling over similar issues. But time seems to be running out for now, given that the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections are only three months away. Sher Bahadur Deuba, president of the breakaway NC-D, vented his frustration in public on Saturday at the lack of result from the unity talks. He threatened to declare the unity talks “abortive” at this week’s NC-D central working committee meeting, and then move on to a “campaign of party organisation” for the polls. According to him, the unity efforts “turned into disappointment” and the time “had run out for unification”. Accusing the parent party establishment of dilly-dallying, he complained that “because of the unity talks, we could not even organise”. NC-D leaders say they had “shown utmost flexibility but the Congress leadership ignored us”.

Deuba has a valid point. After reunification, the NC-D would cease to exist. So, entanglement in unity efforts affects its full and independent working, psychologically and practically. But both Koirala and Deuba want unity, not for anything but to boost the Congress’ poll prospects. On Koirala’s reckoning, the Congress may suffer a “considerable loss” with the NC-D fighting the elections as a separate party in the first-past-the-post phase, which accounts for about half the seats in the CA polls. The NC-D leadership’s fear is that without the parent party’s banner, the NC-D might go the way of the CPN-ML, the then breakaway from the CPN-UML. This is likely to give the Leftists an electoral advantage, a calculation that prompted the Congress’ friends at home and abroad to urge unification.

However, personal and factional interests have come in the way. Both leaders are ready for unification, but on their own terms as far as possible. Besides, there are people on both sides of the divide who think they might lose status and power in the post-unity party adjustments. That is why not much has come of a series of meetings that has taken place after a task force was formed to sort out the unity issues. Deuba appears interested in the settlement of the leadership question of the unified party after Koirala’s disappearance from the scene. This also brings to the fore the lack of self-confidence in second-generation Congress leaders, including Deuba. They want to be anointed by Koirala as his successor, rather than win over the party on their own merit in a democratic manner. The impasse revolves round such issues as precedence, induction of members into the CWC, allocation of important central posts such as vice president and general secretary, the distribution of the central departments, and party posts from the regional down to the grass-roots level. Strong factional mentality that has developed in the Congress over the years is unlikely to go away even after unification. It may flare up in the future, particularly after the marriage of convenience is over.

Source: The Himalayan Times, August 14, 2007

Maoist's Approach and the Constituent Assembly Election

Vikram Singh Basnyat

The entire sundry have been examining about Constituent Assembly (CA) election more than ever after the peace talks between the then government and the Maoists. The twelve-point agreement between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists sponsored by New Delhi and of the CA elections agenda has taken a speedy ride. Nobody can in reality contradict that CA was the Maoists insist, which the SPA came to rescue after signing of the agreement. Election of any form may it be at school, clubs or national, it requires surroundings where all of the right and freedom of the people or participants is exercised to make up the mind to your appeal and preference. The Eight Party Alliance Government (EPAG) and every single political party signifying the Interim Parliament (IP) must work to construct this desirable atmosphere. The gossip, news and incident that take place and are accepted become visible that Maoists necessitate being more loyal to the dynamics of democracy rather than misusing the dynamism that the people really hold. If CA is the Maoist's baby, why isn't the Maoists clear how elections are held?

Deserting the cantonment

The PLA leaving the cantonment is not encouraging at all. Some may think and wonder that the Maoists are breaking down, they aren't they are playing as per the strategy to seize all the segments of the state to gain supremacy. Is this a ruse of the Maoists of exercising all the strength may it be in the forest, legislature, street or the government to take over power?

Young Communist League (YCL) and the activities:

YCL is a sister organisation of the Nepal Communist Part Maoist (NCPM) which does not have a good record because of activities that has taken place. A mixture of personalities spell out that the some members of the YCL were militants of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Maoists military wing which does suggest that this is not the organisations to help foster democracy and party values but is an establishment that attempts to suppress people's rights. The items of the peace accord have been flouting as well as the unruly, disruptive and irresponsible behaviour has hindered people's expectations. The incident at Dolakha the other day expresses its continuation of rampage and extortion from the hapless people from all walks of life. This is acting as self-appointed police and making it difficult to create a conducive environment. Beating up the Chief District Administrator is never a good sign being part of the government and the IP

Use of a Democratic face

The NCPM as an ingredient of the EPAG has been and is functioning against the government and acting as the opposition party. Is Nepal TV (NTV) turning MTV a Maoist TV? If the ministries are the belongings of the government, let it feel right to the people not the political parties. When the EPA have already decided that the future of the Institution of Monarchy (IOM) would be decided by the people through the CA elections why is the Maoists not being resolute in their standpoint and rerouting themselves rather than concentrating on the attention required for the election?

Diplomatic Community

It is always valuable to pronounce to on every occasion the interest of nations especially the neighbours in the present-day perspective. The diplomatic community's engagement with Nepal's policy is playing a decisive role for the future of a peaceful and democratic Nepal. The Nepalese leaders need and require being more nationalist than ever in this fragile environment of the peace process. Well are we clear of what the present circumstances is? Is it a peace process, post conflict, an opportunity to consolidate authority by the political parties or a phase of a protracted war? Will we betray this nation of ours if we do not be a pro Nepali rather than commenting being anti India, anti China or anti US?

India does not recognise that IOM is a symbol of unity and stability anymore but has left it for the people to decide. Political, economic, energy, water and security interest are of priority for our southern neighbour. With security interest can we assume by mentioning containment of illegal arms and ammunitions within the border to prevent escalating terrorism problem within her own border? Will our friend who is so thoroughly watching the development use the Madhesi crisis as an issue for their advantage to influence and dominate politically as well as a security corridor?

We can notice the shy China turning into an actor in Nepal's policies. Is it because the Himalayas are just borders but not barriers? As Nepalese are basically communists in nature enhancement of political interest would be surprising. The investment in Tibet and the modern link from the mainland would ask to increase and boost economic association. To safeguard one China policy and the territory not to be used for anti China activities and prevent Nepal being politically dominated by other external powers like India and the US, we can see development of security interest.

USA will not accept like Bolshevik Party and its leader Lenin violently and aggressively asserted their dominance over the other parties, sidelined the CA and created their own republic. Will the Nepalese territory be used by the US to contain China from the south? Will the US enhance free Tibet movement and activities? The former US ambassador Mr. Moriaty has did spell out that the NA be firmly under civilian control. The US has also categorically said that the people to decide on the concern of IOM and the type of democracy for peace and prosperity.

Some Scandinavian nations support the NCPM and their cause. The UK may stipulate for a free and fair atmosphere for the elections of the CA.

Conclusion

IF all agree that people is the strength, aspiration and all the available adjectives and nouns you can think of, let us sit down to create the atmosphere for a free and fair elections to observe a democratic and peaceful Nepal the people so desire.

Why can't the political party's that opt for constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy demonstrate to the people to justify that this is one option for Nepal's destiny? Why can't we witness more political activities in all parts of the country?

The pronouncement after the Maoists plenum for a people's revolt is not going to justify the actual desire of the people but will destroy the understanding of democracy and peace that the people are peeping for. If the NC, NCD, UML and other political parties still presume that going against the Monarchy is the unifying factor of the EPA, it will be another mistake. It is not monarchy that will undergo it will be consolidation of democracy and the people that will suffer. It wouldn't be incorrect to envisage that Nepal will turn red under the communists and the impact that will have in the region is more to consider not just India and China but the US but as well.
The international community and all the interest groups are available close by to observe the people's aspirations.

If the people had the right to decide the future for a new Nepal why does it have to be the people revolt that the Maoists leadership seem to prefer. CA is another form of revolt, Prachanda please be a 21st century communist leader and learn to live in the democratic surroundings which no valour can oppose or combat to.

Source: Media for Freedom, August 5, 2007

Creation Of Election Atmosphere

Narayan Prasad Wagle

The constituent assembly (CA) election is a mere three months away, but the major political parties are still reluctant to interact with the people in their villages and towns. It is time the leaders of the political parties were at the doorsteps of the people, often dubbed the source of sovereign power. While the security problems in the Terai remain more or less the same, it looks as if the major parties themselves may cause trouble in holding the election within the stipulated timeframe. The eight-party alliance that was mandated by the people to institutionalise peace, prosperity and parity in the country seems to be embroiled in the same old problems in new ways. The petty political interests have emerged dominant upon the burning national issues.

Monarchy

Following the expanded meeting (plenum) of the Maoists, the monarchy, the most debated topic ever in the history of Nepali politics, has taken centre stage. The Maoists have made it clear that they want a republican order in the country before the CA polls. Similarly, their demand for a fully proportional representation system of election has ignited fury among the parties as it was a settled issue in the eight-party alliance. If the demands are meant to satisfy the disgruntled cadres and use the hot slogans for election purposes, there is nothing wrong. But if they are meant for evading the polls for fear that they would be defeated, it will be disastrous for the country. Although the demands they are making hold some water, it is too late to take a stand on them as a precondition for the constituent assembly election. So it is better for them to learn lessons from what has already taken place in order to master the tactics of peaceful politics.

The reluctance on the part of the Nepali Congress and Nepali Congress-D can be logically attributed to their split. The sooner their unification takes place, the faster they will become ready to face the election. Apart from the apparent issue of unification, taking a clear stand on the issue of monarchy has been equally challenging for them. The difficulty in deciding the fate of the monarchy is that a good portion of the leaders see no wrong in a democracy with the ceremonial state of monarchy, for which international support can also be easily garnered and which may help them to pursue the middle path, with the royalists and the Maoists balancing each other. Another major party in the alliance, the CPN (UML), is also not going to the people with fervour and enthusiasm. On the surface, it does not seem to have outstanding problems in the party nor has it set any preconditions for the CA election. One reason may be that this party has rarely taken a leadership role at historic moments or a firm decision. So it may be hesitating to take a lead in this regard also. Also, its unwillingness to form an alliance with the Maoists on the one hand and its fear that its voters will be divided between them on the other have made it less optimistic about the result of the polls. As we know that the constituent assembly election is different from the general elections that were held for the parliament in the past, the creation of an election atmosphere is vital. Issues of a new constitution and restructuring of the state are hard to understand even for educated persons. It is, therefore, qualitatively difficult for the illiterate people to grasp even bits out of the heap. But because it is difficult to make people understand constitutional issues and issues of state restructuring, the political parties should not be stealing uninformed consent of the people for their own sake. That will just be a mockery of the people's consent and the democratic process at large.

The political parties should have brought out their election manifestos earlier than they used to do so in the past general election so that people have a perception of the state of things. But their reluctance has indicated that they are not interested in giving the right message to the people who fought for loktantra - a system they believe will bring peace, prosperity and parity in the country and end feudalism and injustice forever. As the report of the UN Secretary-General rightly observes, "The stakes are too high; complacency or differences over secondary issues cannot be allowed to threaten to deny the people of Nepal the realisation of their ardent desire for sustainable peace."

Security

The major parties irrespective of short-term political gains must pass the test of time of holding CA election on time. Instead of haggling with the other parties over important posts or privileges, they need to focus on key issues like security, including the model of security sector reform, redressing the grievances of the marginalised people, management of cantonments and the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In order to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the Nepali society, the parties must go to the people without creating one pretext or the other and render the CA election a success.

Source: The Rising Nepal, August 14, 2007

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