Befitting Reply
PRIME Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand, in a befitting answer to some political parties
that have been raising the question of constitutionality, said that the Constitution of
the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 is fully active and operational in the country. Speaking at an
interaction programme on "Media and Constitutionalism," organised by the
Federation of Editors and Publishers in Kathmandu, the other day, Prime Minister Chand
said that it was the flaw of those who fail to strictly implement the constitution and act
in accordance with the letter and spirit of the constitution. Constitution is the
fundamental law of the land and a guideline to be followed by every Nepali citizen. All
articles of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal are in full operation. No article of
the constitution has been suspended and everything is being done strictly in accordance
with the constitution. The formation of the present government is strictly in accordance
with the Article 127 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, as the House of
Representatives has been dissolved. The then caretaker Prime Minister failed in his duty
to hold the general elections within the stipulated time. Moreover, all the parties had
backed the 'unconstitutional' move of the then caretaker Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba
to postpone elections for one more year. This was the violation of constitution and all
political parties are responsible for the present situation. His Majesty the King had to
take a bold and timely action to protect democracy and constitution. His Majesty the King
has publicly expressed commitment to uphold the constitution, constitutional monarchy and
multi-party democracy. But the political parties, which ruled the country for the last 12
years, interpreted the constitution to suit their personal and partisan interest and
violated the very essence of constitution and democratic norms. Parties in power resorted
to all kinds of dirty games just to cling to power. It was the period when the country saw
a record political instability, rise in corruption and all kinds of political perversions.
As a result, the nation and the people have to face the present crisis. Thus, the parties
have no moral right to raise the issue of constitutionality. At a time when the government
is seriously engaged in peace building, parties need to extend a helping hand and fulfil
the historic responsibility. Instead, these parties are only trying to create a roadblock
to the peace process. It is a time when all of us have to brush aside all our partisan and
individual differences and get involved in the peace process to solve the national
problems once and for all.
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