Making of Constitution
The cover story “Values In Crisis” (SPOTLIGHT March 9) points out to the inherent lack of prudence on the part of our national political actors even as the country is headed towards a crucial task of writing a news constitution through the process of Constituent Assembly. It is surprising that people seem to be taking this issue lightly. A CA is once-in-a-nation’s-lifetime exercise, which needs careful thoughts and ample preparations – ranging from awareness-raising to technical preparations. It cannot be held just on the basis of some whims.
Girish Thapa
Satdobato
CA Sans Knowledge
The political leaders have been incessantly expressing their commitment to hold the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections by mid-June (“Values In Crisis” SPOTLIGHT March 9). Unfortunately, since the restoration of Loktantra in April last year, the parties and/or the government have failed to launch any mass campaign aimed at educating the people about the process, objective and significance of CA. There have been quite a lot of news reports stating that in far-flung areas, people have no idea what the CA is. As this is the first time CA is going to be held in the country, it is only fair that people be informed as much as possible. Otherwise, as most people still see CA as some kind of parliamentary elections, the significance of this whole process will be lost. Instead of bickering over interim parliament or interim government or interim constitution, the eight parties would have done well had they concentrated on educating the people about the CA. That would have ensured deep-rooted and well-understood democratic polity in the country. Only three months remain for the CA elections, and voters’ education campaign have not been launched yet. This lack of seriousness is certain to hurt the nation’s democratic prospects in the days to come.
Diwas Gurung
Kaushaltar
Will CA Address Ethnic Issues?
There are numerous ethnic and regional fronts that have emerged raising demands from autonomy to self-determination rights (“Values In Crisis” SPOTLIGHT March 9). Obviously, this is a transitional period and different groups are coming out with their own set of agenda. Many ethnic groups that had felt marginalized in the last many decades are now attempting to make sure that their condition will improve in the coming days. All of them are pinning their hope on the CA. But will the CA be able to address all of their concerns? That is the million dollar question haunting every one of Nepali these days.
Sidhartha Bista
Balaju
Starting From A Scratch
The exercise for the new constitution-making marks another start from the scratch for the people of Nepal ("Values In Crisis" SPOTLIGHT March 9). People of Nepal have experienced six different constitutions in the last six decades. They are now preparing to write the seventh one through Constituent Assembly. It is not clear what of constitution the CA will come up with. There are some inviolable democratic values that must be adhered to in any democratic constitution. Hopefully, the CA will have enough wise people to show light to the people of Nepal who are yearning for peace and stability.
Kalpa Gurung
Maitighar
Ensure Participation
As experts have said the process of constitution must be participatory, representative and inclusive ("Values In Crisis" SPOTLIGHT March 9). Due to the long ethnic disparity, there are various groups that have emerged with their set of demands. Some have even called for federal autonomy with the right to self-determination. How feasible these demands are should be discussed by the elected CA. Only then can the CA come up with the constitution that Nepalese people deserve.
Simanta Thakur
Chabahil
Sujata's Assertions
The interview of Sujata Koirala (SPOTLIGHT March 9) was interesting. It seems the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has diverse opinions among its various leaders. Quite unlike blatantly republicans like Narahari Acharya, Koirala has talked about the need to accommodate ceremonial monarchy. It will be interesting to see how this party will reach conclusion on what policy to follow at the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections. Time is running out, the NC will have to make the decision before the elections, which are scheduled to be held by mid-June.
Srijana KC
Putalisadak
Koirala Speak
The daughter of the Prime Minister, Sujata Koirala will need to work a lot harder if she wants to get over the image of a corrupt person who reached to center of power through nepotism (SPOTLIGHT March 9). She took an impressive position during the movement to restore democracy and had stood by her father through the thick and thin. Now the time has come for her to show that she stands for democratic ideals propounded by her illustrious uncle BP Koirala.
Deep Tamang
Ghattekula
