Compromise is the best way forward, says German Professor
A renowned German Professor of Political Science has underscored the importance of compromise as the essential aspect of democracy.
"Democracy is about compromises. It is not about inconsiderate application of majority rule," said Professor Thomas Meyer, addressing a talk programme titled "Compromise The Ideal Path To Democracy" organised in the capital on Wednesday by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES).
"Compromises often reduce the costs for maintaining one's own interests," said Professor Meyer, who chairs the Political Science Department at the Dortmund University and is author of books on social democracy.
His remarks have come at a time when political actors in the country are struggling to strike a sustainable accord – in the form of constitution written by elected Constituent Assembly - to put the country firmly on the path of democracy.
Categorising compromise into two classes- lazy and clever, Professor Meyer said that while the 'lazy compromises' betray the policy objectives, the 'clever compromises' form the "prerequisites for a credible and successful democracy."
Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, social activists, political leaders and journalists, Professor Meyer stressed that supportive political culture is as essential as institutions to sustain democratic polity. "This is a fact revealed by empirical studies of democracies in the world," he said.
On the current situation in Nepal, Professor Meyer said that "if a convincing framework (a constitution and white paper on security sector reforms) is created, they you will have a platform where signatories can unite."
Earlier, speaking at the talk programme, Head of FES-Nepal, Professor Devraj Dahal highlighted the issue of democracy and its application in Nepal 's context.
Daniel Reichart, South Asia Desk Officer of FES Germany, expressed his happiness that FES was able to contribute to peace process and democratisation of Nepal. He said FES is committed to basic values of social democracy. nepalnews.com sd Jul 19 07
