Chasing Polls
Elections have become a mirage for the people of Nepal (Polls In Doubt, SPOTLIGHT April 20). The much promised Constituent Assembly polls also has been derailed. It is clear that there will not be any election in June. The political parties have not yet clarified when the stalled polls will be held again. As such, the common people are left wondering what is going on in their country. Till a few months ago, political leaders spoke about the CA elections as if everything will stop till it is held. Now that the elections have been thrown into uncertainty, nobody is taking up the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Sangita Bista
Jhamsikhel
Agenda of Deflection
Following the announcement by the Election Commission, all the political parties still seem to be in a state of shock (Polls In Doubt, SPOTLIGHT April 20). Slowly they are now coming up with newer agendas that are sure to dilute and deflect the real issues. The Maoists have said that announcement of republic is more important now. They have said the CA elections can wait. The UML has now proposed holding referendum instead of CA. Such voices coming from responsible parties are certain to send the people into confusion. People are now unsure whether the CA elections will ever be held in this country.
Bikash Ratna Shakya
Patan
Blaming EC
Although they had known much earlier that the CA elections cannot be held on time, the clever leaders of political parties left it to the poor and hapless Election Commission to make the public announcement that the polls cannot be held (Polls In Doubt, SPOTLIGHT April 20). That was nothing but clever ploy by the leaders to shift the onus of blame and responsibility to the EC. But the leaders must have forgotten how keenly and how closely the people are watching the whole scenario unfolding. People are not prepared to lay the blame of polls postponement on anyone except the political parties and their government. It is crystal clear how the leaders and the government dilly dallied in formulation of key electoral legislations. They consistently missed the deadlines for forming interim parliament, declaring interim constitution and forming interim government. And now they have missed the sacrosanct deadline of CA polls. Worse, the leaders are unable to determine the fresh date for the polls even.
Kailash Acharya
Koteshwore
Slinging of Mud
In the aftermath of the EC’s announcement, the political parties engaged in mud-slinging (Polls In Doubt, SPOTLIGHT April 20). Particularly, the UML and the Maoists were seen pointing fingers at the Prime Minister and Nepali Congress for the fiasco. The Maoist chairman Prachanda declared that the foundation of eight party unity was no more. All these statements have definitely weakened the eight party unity – which is so crucial if the country is to be steered out of this difficult transition smoothly and successfully. The leaders have to understand that very well.
Diwas Gurung
Samakhusi
Seven Commandments
The story “Unaddressed Challenges” (SPOTLIGHT April 20) clearly points out what our political parties and the government must do in order to create conducive environment for the polls. These seven points have been prepared by internationally renowned Carter Center after thorough study of the condition in this country. The Center has vindicated the position of the EC that it is incapable of holding the polls in the current situation. It is not only adequate to enact legislations and ensure security, it is equally necessary to create enough democratic space where voices of shades can be heard. Besides, the campaign of voters’ education is a must before credible polls can be held.
Shiva Risal
Battisputali
Third World Politics
Apropos the article “Politics of Haves and Have Nots” (SPOTLIGHT April 20), it is true for every third world country. In any underdeveloped country, the issue of power is at the center of any political party or individual leader. They are guided by nothing else but the urge to be in power. They throw away all kinds of ideologies or visions out the window, if they can be assured of power. These tendencies can be defeated in a gradual course of time as the country marches towards development.
Sandhya Singh
Kalimati
