EDITOR'S NOTE
Our self-oriented politicians do not seem to
be tiring commenting on the merits or demerits of the constitution and whether it needs
amendment or not. Ever since the promulgation f this constitution all the politicians of
the name who have ascended the throne of power have not failed to expose their true
character. As long they are in the ruling party, the constitution becomes one of the best
in the world. The moment they are out of the government they start shouting about the
serious flaws in the constitution. Consequently, the approbation or disapprobation will
not make even the slightest impression. But the moot point is how representative, how
appropriate, how useful or how effective in the context of our national requirements is
the constitution. Constitutions are not made to serve the interests of corrupt
politicians. They are made to serve the interests of the common man. We have, time and
again, expressed our opinion about the constitution, and do not feel the necessity of
repeating. But we do strongly feel that the constitution has been thrust on us. We have
had no say in the making of our constitution. And since the constitution has failed to
punish the politicians for their misdemeanors, it has become imperative that something
pertinent be done and done expeditiously. The country is gasping for a cleaner
administration. Since the politicians are shamelessly resorting to their anti-national
behavior, relevant amendments in the constitution have become indispensable. But unlike
the constitution the amendments or reforms sought to be introduced must be debated in
public before they are incorporated in the constitution. Because the country has no faith
in the majority of immoral and dishonest parliamentarians, the amendments proposed must be
debated and accepted by the people themselves, and not presented as a fait accompli in the
form of an ordinance. It is, indeed, a very sad experience that our politicians have
proved that they need unambiguous laws to check their selfish behavior.
* * *
The U.S. Presidential Election 2000 has made
history extraordinary. We, in Nepal, could not even imagine that such things could happen
in the most democratic country in the world. The events in the United States of America
have brought two things to sharp focus. One — the efficacy of the Electoral College
and two — the infallibility of the counting machines. Indeed the Americans will find
solutions to the problems. But, the thing that has amused us is that they also become
partisan when their interests are at stake and bend the laws to suit their exigencies. As
far Nepal is concerned, who wins the Presidency is not very important. But whether this
presidential election in the United States may generate unhealthy influences in budding
democracies, has become a matter of concern.
| Chief-Editor & Publisher |
: Madhav Kumar Rimal |
| Editor |
: Sarita Rimal |
| Consulting Editor |
: Keshab Poudel |
| Senior Correspondent |
: Bhagirath Yogi |
| Senior Reporter |
: Navin Singh Khadka |
| Reporter |
: Sanjaya Dhakal / Sunil Kumar
Gupta(Nepalgunj) |
| Photographer |
: Shyam Chitrakar |
| Editorial Office |
: GPO Box 7256,Baluwatar,Kathmandu, Nepal. |
| Telephone |
: 977 1 423 127 |
| Fax |
: 977 1 417 845 |
| email |
: spotligh@mos.com.np |
|
