Broad Plans
The eight parties agree to a common minimum program for the interim government – focusing on peace and elections
By SANJAYA DHAKAL
It does not take Sherlock Holmes to conclude the immediate need of Nepal. Restoring peace and holding credible elections are the two interconnected matters that deserve seminal importance.
As such, it is no wonder to find that the eight parties have focused on these two matters in their recently unveiled Common Minimum Program (CMP) for the interim government, which is inclusive of Maoists.
The top leaders of eight parties, on Sunday (April 1), signed a number of pacts ahead of the formation of interim government. Apart from a second amendment proposal on interim constitution, the leaders also approved five different understandings including the one on the Common Minimum Program (CMP), which lays down policies, programs and priorities for the interim cabinet; commitment of eight parties to ease the environment by ensuring implementation of all earlier pacts; formulation of code of conduct for interim cabinet; formulation of working procedure; and formation of United Coordination Committee (UCC) of the eight parties to steer the government.
Common Minimum Program
The CMP has four broad points - “National Interest, Democracy and Progress”; “Democracy, Durable Peace and Ensuring Security”; “Immediate Relief”; and “Reforms and Change.”
The first point of the CMP largely focuses on creating conducive environment to conduct CA polls in a free, fair and fearless environment. It aims to have in place all legal and administrative pre-requisites to help the Election Commission conduct the polls.
It reiterates to implement civil and human rights and all other commitments made in the interim constitution; end corruption and red-tape.
The CMP also promises to formulate policies on the base of consensus on National Security, Foreign Policy and Water Resources.
The second point focuses on resolving all disputes through the process of negotiations and dialogue.
It promises to set up National Peace and Rehabilitation Commission; Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and high-level Commission to Recommend on State Restructuring.
The CMP plans to democratize the national army and formulation action plan to make it right-sized, and inclusive.
On the point regarding Immediate Relief, the CMP stresses on providing relief to the people including conflict victims, backward classes, regions, castes, Janjatis, women, and Dalit.
A special fund will be set up to help the victims and reconstruction of damaged infrastructures will be carried out.
In order to provide relief to the people, the CMP promises to regulate the supply system to ensure adequate supplies of essential items and control price rise.
The CMP also promises to make schools, hospitals and health centers as peace zones. It aims to create environment conducive for industrial peace and investment.
Similarly, under the title of “Reforms and Change,” the CMP vows to bring about socio-political and economic transformation and maintain social justice.
Rule of law and good governance have been stressed to expand service delivery to the people. On the other hand, the CMP vows to keep bureaucracy out of politics. The CMP also aims to carry forward reforms in industries, banks and financial institutions, transport and communication sectors.
In the CMP, the parties have aimed to collect the list of unemployed people and implement job-oriented programs. It promises to take action against willful bank loan defaulters.
The CMP also has a provision that mentions that a foundation will be prepared to implement scientific land reforms and management. A long-term agriculture policy will be implemented, it says.
It also lays down emphasis on education and health services to the people. Furthermore, it also mentions about ending all kinds of discriminations and carry out inclusion agenda.
Other Pacts
Apart from CMP, the meeting of the leaders also signed four other pacts including the commitment of eight parties to ease the environment by ensuring implementation of all earlier pacts; formulation of code of conduct for interim cabinet; formulation of working procedure; and formation of United Coordination Committee (UCC) of the eight parties to steer the government.
As per the pact on implementing earlier agreements, the Maoists have agreed to return all seized properties – private or public – within 15 days, help return displaced persons respectfully and stop public display of weapons.
If any weapon that is not registered with the UN is found, that will be seized by the government and treated as illegal. At district-level all-party units will be formed to monitor the return of seized properties.
The parties have also vowed to refrain from holding programs like bandhs and strikes that cause inconvenience to the public.
Likewise, the government too will withdraw its security forces from public places like schools, factories or private properties. Maoist inmates in government jails would also be released within 20 days. Forced donations and intimidations will be stopped, it says.
The Code of Conduct of ministers state that they will work on the basis of collective responsibility. Like in the past, they will have to make public their properties before they join the government and after they step down from their positions.
The Code of Conduct adds that the ministers will refrain from accepting expensive gifts and financial benefits from anybody. Gifts received from international meetings, seminars, visits will be submitted to the government. It also mentions that ministers will not take part in expensive and unjustified foreign visits.
The Working Procedure, on the other hand, mentions that the cabinet will work as per the political understanding of eight parties and will take positively the instructions given by the UCC.
As per the understanding the UCC will be formed soon by including representatives of all the eight parties. The main objective of the UCC will be help and guide the interim government to implement the CMP.
Second Amendment
The eight party leaders have also signed an agreement to introduce second amendment of interim constitution.
As per their agreement, a provision will be inserted in the Article 159 (3) of the interim constitution whereby the monarchy can be deposed if the latter is found conspiring to derail the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections. Two-third majority of the legislative parliament can depose the monarchy on such situation.
Likewise, the date for CA polls has been fixed for June 20 and the constitution will be amended to incorporate that – since in the current constitution there is a provision which states that CA elections will be held by the end of month Jestha (June 14).
Similarly, the second amendment proposal will include provisions whereby the Prime Minister can be sacked through no-confidence motion approved by two-third members of legislative-parliament. The PM can also seek vote of confidence if he so wishes. One-fourth number of MPs can also move a resolution proposing special session of the parliament. The PM will also be allowed to appoint non-MP as a minister with the consent of political parties, as per the amendment proposal.
The interim constitution, which was promulgated on January 15, has already been amended once to incorporate demands of Madhesis and Janajatis. In the first amendment, proposals to make Nepal a federal state and hold elections on mixed system have been passed.
Submit Illegal Arms: Sitaula
The government has stated that it will now take measures to seize illegal weapons and take action against those found in possession.
A day after the interim cabinet was formed, Home Minister Krishna Sitaula said that he would confiscate illegal weapons and take action against those found possessing them.
He appealed to all to submit any illegal weapon in their possession to the district administration office or police unit within one week. He has said April 8 will be the deadline for such submission.
“From now onwards, if anyone tries to disrupt peace by carrying weapons, the government will take stern action,” he warned.
His appeal has come in the wake of various armed groups actively engaging in violent activities particularly in Terai region.
Sitaula said the government will take every action to create peaceful environment to hold the elections to the Constituent Assembly. He added that in order to control cross-border crimes – particularly in the context of Terai violence – police will increase security checks and patrolling.
