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The enthusiasm of the Election Commission for holding the elections to the Constituent Assembly is, indeed, commendable, but, unfortunately, not infectious. The country’s need for a people-made constitution is uniquely important and unavoidable. But the overwhelming uneducated populace is totally ignorant about its importance. And the political parties that are holding the reins of the government don’t feel the necessity of educating them. Neither any of the eight parties in power, sincerely wants the elections to take place. Their vociferous outbursts are meant only to fool the world. Otherwise, they all would have worked to restore peace and normalcy and law and order without which elections are not possible. The Maoists, too, have gone back on their agreement and want the fulfillment of their demand for declaring Nepal a Republic before the elections. They know that this present interim parliament itself is unconstitutional and has no constitutional mandate even to pass laws. Any strong subsequent government can easily nullify all of its activities. And now the Maoists have even announced that they would start agitations from 1 Aswin. Because of Madhesi agitations to drive the non-Madhesis out of Terai, thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Unless these Madhesi groups change their behavior and restore trust and confidence in the terai, no elections are possible howsoever hard the EC may work and try. The armed Madhesi groups, the Jwala Singh and Goit, have even announced they will not only boycott the elections but obstruct it, if necessary, violently. It is needless to emphasize that unless the eight parties unite to restore total law and order in the country, the CA elections are not possible. And the eight parties can unite and Madhes can become peaceful if India so desires. It is no longer a secret that India wields a big influence on the bigger political parties and on the Madhesi groups as well. A strong, stable and affluent Nepal would not only be a good friend but also work as a bulwark for India. Why should she keep on destabilizing poor Nepal when it could boomerang against her is very enigmatic. A traditionally friendly country with intimate social, cultural and religious ties, with millions of Nepalis living in India for decades and hundreds of thousands of Nepali Gurkhas serving in the Indian army, it could never be in India’s interest even to generate unfriendly feelings in poor Nepalis. The day she fails to keep the pliant politicians in power, she might have to face unnecessary botherations. Even though small, India must be happy to have Nepal, the only friendly country in her neighborhood. Consequently, India must play a very positive role in the ensuing elections to the CA in Nepal. Only a free and fair elections can guarantee an honest and patriotic government in Nepal. And India should never overlook the axiomatic truth that sincere friendship can be established only with men of integrity and character and not with politicians who are opportunists and sell their morals. We do trust India will not hesitate to realign her policies and behavior towards Nepal and sincerely try to cement the relationship by casting off their usual vacant rhetorics. We would like to make an earnest appeal to India to grab this opportunity and help Nepal produce a set of honest and patriotic leaders so that they will be able to build up a strong and respectable relationship with her big and mighty neighbor.
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