FEATURES NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

By Prem N. Kakkar

HIS Majesty the King's appointment of a nine-member cabinet headed by Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, last Friday, marked a new chapter in the line of events of the past few months.
The ministers in the new cabinet consists mostly of people who have not been directly involved in political activity of any sort. It must be taken as positive gesture when the past few years have seen quite turbulent political scene. It is the government whose duty is to see that the peace is maintained and security enhanced for the people.

For the people living in Kathmandu, the country's capital, the sense of security is present but that is not the whole country. The need therefore is to bring back peace to all the parts of the country.

Improvements

Since last November 13, 2001, when the State of Emergency was imposed, when all the security forces were mobilised to tackle the Maoist terrorism, the country has seen improvements in the security situation. But there is still some way to go before peace returns to the troubled areas especially in the Far Western Region.

The people must be able to lead their lives in peace and without any fear. There has been marked improvement in the situation but it is still not enough. In fact, the government headed by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had tried his best to bring normalcy in the country but his efforts were not enough. The Nepali Congress party, which was the biggest democratic force in the country, split into two factions. This was a rather unfortunate development.

The dissolution of the House of Representatives and the announcement of fresh elections marked another chapter in the political front. Without the security situation in the country improving, it seemed difficult even then on the holding of the elections. Yet, the assertion was there from the then prime minister that the elections would be held as per schedule. However, analysts felt that it would not be possible to hold the elections as had been decided. The experts felt that under the circumstances that the country was going through, to make all the logistical arrangements for the polls would be very difficult.

Through the Royal Address that dismissed the government led by Deuba, a new scenario has emerged. It drew mixed reactions from the various parties. But the people in general felt that hope was emerging for bringing the country on the right track. This was mainly felt by the businesspeople particularly those engaged in the tourism sector.

This was right because in the past few years, despite the great tourist attractions in the country, the number of incoming tourists fell to record low. The economy of the country in a very disappointing state, the need was felt for a clear-cut directions. Though a new government has been formed to enhance security and hold general elections at the earliest, the going will not be easy.

The political parties want the elections to be held as early as possible. This is a difficult task considering that there are many troubled areas in the country where the situation has to be brought under control. It is not an easy task. Yet, now that the biggest festival is almost over, the government must start working seriously working out strategies so that the work it has been entrusted could be fulfilled.

The fact that non-political individuals dominate the cabinet, it, however, does not mean that they cannot achieve their objectives. Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand has said that the government alone cannot do everything, therefore it is essential that the political parties as well as the general people who have to come forward to assist in seeing that peace returns and fair, impartial elections are held. But, for this the date for the elections have to be announced together with improving the security situation in the country.

There are many hurdles to be crossed before the elections are held and according to the mandate of the people the government can be formed. Herein, it is important that the Maoists too must be persuaded to join the mainstream politics. With everyone for democracy, there is a need to see that democracy is further strengthened. And general elections is the only way that democracy can be further nurtured that is to say that the participation of the people is the very foundation.

Crucial

It is not only the general elections that is important, the local level elections too are important. For this, too, the government must give thought. The days ahead, for the government, are crucial. On this front, the support and suggestions of the political parties in the country are also vital. They must not be ignored. Optimism now prevails that once the elections are held better days would be back once again.

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