Twelve Years Of Democracy
Much Yet To Be Achieved

By Prem N. Kakkar

TWELVE years is not a long time in the history of the nation. It is the legacy from the past that has much meaning. Looking back at the past provides many illuminating moments. Not every act in the past can be recommended yet that has its implications in the present times as well.

Fulfilment

Chaitra 26 is remembered as the day when the ban of the political parties was lifted twelve years ago and the process for the establishment of multi-party polity started in earnest. The event has become a landmark as it paved the way for sovereignty being vested in the people.

The spirit of the momentous day is still with us though a number of aberrations have crept in. It is not that the Constitution of the Kingdom-1990 does not spell out the frameworks. But there are interpretations made by some which raise eyebrows.

It was not easy for democracy to function efficiently in the early days because of the hangover of the three-decade old earlier dispensation. The subtle way in which the transition was made deserves praise. There was no trace of any vengeance. That was a major achievement in the sense that everyone irrespective of their past affiliations were able to join the mainstream of national politics. There may have been some then who thought that being liberal was wrong. But the past decade or so has shown that the pragmatic move paid off.

Everyone staying within the framework of the Constitution could make their own contributions for upholding the norms and values that was deemed necessary from the rational point of view.

Had it not been for the constitutional provisions, all the political parties could not have gone to power and work in their own way. The intention is not to say which parties did well and which did not. The fact is everyone has a stake. It is only the misled ones who opt for other means to achieve their objectives. The Constitution has provisions wherein any grievances can be dealt with in the most amicable atmosphere.

The peace talks initiated with the Maoists as soon as Sher Bahadur Deuba became the Prime Minister shows the liberal attitude. Nobody can deny that all possible attempts were made so that the talks could come to a amicable conclusion but that was not to be. The talks broke down with the Maoists unilaterally deciding to walk out. That was unexpected. Yet that could not be avoided.

The violence sweeping the country since the past six years cannot be tolerated. From peace talks, the scenario suddenly changed with the killing of numerous security personnel. This forced the government to declare a State of Emergency which has been justified on the grounds that it is to check the Maoist terrorist activities which had almost paralysed some districts. But, with the deployment of the Royal Nepal Army, the scene is changing for the better.

To say that thousands have been killed may not be in taste but that is the reality. If some sense had dawned on them the Maoists would not have gone on a killing spree of innocent citizens. The destruction and looting of private and public property does not make sense. It is this country where we including the Maoists, have to spend our days and prosperity is the goal. Unfortunately, the destruction of the infrastructure sends the country reeling back. We have examples from Vietnam , Afghanistan and other countries where the rebuilding exercises are not only difficult but need huge amount of financial inputs. The way things are going it might be the same for Nepal. Who will foot the bill for reconstruction when billions of rupees warth damage has incurred because of the terrorist activities.

It might not be a million dollar question but the problem is complex. Use of force is justified in the circumstances. Reason has to prevail among the wayward. It seems that the political parties have just woken up to the realities that is prevailing in the country. With their network in every part of the country, the political parties must be able to mobilise their cadres in the
most efficient manner so that terrorism can be tackled. A consensus seems to have been reached among the major political parties but one still doesn’t know how far they will succeed in achieving the objectives.

Difficult

Talking about national consensus may be easy but fulfilling the objectives is not. What is needed at the moment for all is to dispense with petty issues but work to tackle the issues of national interest having long term ramifications. The problems that have piled up in the past six years or so cannot be resolved in a few months time. it is commitment and sincerity to purpose propped up by a deserving strategy that will work. With so much responsibilities on their shoulders the parties should join hands in making peace and security return to the country. Joint commitment for the country’s sake is the call of the hour.

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