NATIONAL 5 (Spotlight Weekly)]

Call For Consensus

By outlining his vision for the next decade, Prime Minister Koirala has thrown the ball in the court of the opposition. But will he able to gain their confidence?

By BHAGIRATH YOGI

Koirala : Selling propositions

As Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala stood to deliver his formal speech on the opening day of the 20th session of the parliament Monday, many thought it would be a customary speech. But right from the beginning, the septuagenarian chief executive tried to explain why he was made a target of attacks from within his own party and beyond. "It might have looked to many that I have been trying to stick to the post (of Prime Minister) but I am fighting to uphold the authority and dignity of the post of head of the government popularly elected by the Nepalese people," said Koirala. Within few minutes, he was describing what he called as a 'basic program for national consensus.'

In his 14-point agenda, the premier has touched upon issues ranging from electoral reforms to economic development, from controlling corruption to controlling violence (See: Box), but his main call has been for minimum national consensus with a clear cut vision where we want to take our country, say, in the next decade. "Let's declare the next decade as a decade of national economic reconstruction. Let's all agree to stop activities like strikes and 'bandhs' at least for the next one decade," urged Koirala. "Whether to continue in the post of Prime Minister is a minor issue. What is important is national consensus. I am ready to make any kind of sacrifice (for this purpose)," he declared.

Despite his thought-provoking presentation, the opposition seemed least impressed. Addressing the House immediately after Koirala, leader of the main opposition, UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal said, "the first condition for such a consensus would be Mr. Koirala's resignation." He, however, said he agreed with most of the points raised by the Prime Minister in his address. "We are ready to discuss issues including type of protest programs to be launched but the important thing is that there is no law and order in the country," said Nepal. He went on to allege that every institution in the country had been disintegrated and even the constitutional bodies had failed to play their role effectively. "In such a situation, the proposal of national consensus should not be an excuse to remain glued to the post of Prime Minister," he warned

In the aftermath of the national tragedy in the form of royal palace killings, all wanted major political parties in the country to behave in a responsible and accountable way. At a time when he is facing attacks from all sides, Premier Koirala seized the opportunity and presented his 'vision document' with a view to bring back the opposition in the parliamentary business and send the message to his critics that he meant business.

After boycotting the entire session of the parliament for nearly two months early this year demanding Koirala's resignation, the opposition parties have not yet declared if they will follow suit. It is, however, obvious that they would continue to put up pressure against the Koirala government.

"Premier Koirala, who also holds the royal palace affairs portfolio, must take responsibility for the Narayanhiti killings," said Madhav Kumar Nepal. "Moreover, we will continue to raise the issue of corruption in the Lauda air deal and the Prime Minister's (alleged) involvement in it."

While some see the PM's 'blueprint' as his attempt to buy time to remain in office, especially people from business community see his proposition 'irresistible.' "There has been very adverse impact on the economy of frequent 'bandhs,' chakka jams', and attacks against businesses. As such, we need national consensus and long-term vision for the economic development of the country," said Pradip Kumar Shrestha, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Added Narendra Bajracharya, President of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), "A single day of 'bandh' (shutdown strike) causes a loss of an estimated Rs 50.5 million. This is having a very negative impact on the tourism sector."

Officials argue that an all-out economic development agenda based on political consensus could lead the country to an impressive growth rate. "By sustaining the present growth of tourism and export sector and raising the growth of agriculture sector by up to 1.5 percent per annum, we can achieve an annual growth rate of up to 7 percent per year," said Dr. Shanker Sharma, member of National Planning Commission. "By focusing on priority area and through good governance we can reach the present level of development of the South East Asian countries within one decade."

Besides economic agenda, the Prime Minister has sought consensus with the opposition to resolve a vital issue like the Maoist insurgency. With more than 1,700 people killed, according to official figures, in the last five years, the insurgency has attained a proportion of a national crisis. "But the most satisfying aspect in the last 12 years is that the Nepalese people have rejected all forms of violence and extremism."

Despite popular apathy, hundreds of unemployed youth in the remote areas continue to lift arms in the name of 'revolution.' To disarm them, bring them back into mainstream, utilize them, as a productive force in the country is a Himalayan task. Only a committed and strong leadership, a stable government and a vigilant opposition could make it possible.

Unfortunately, crisis of confidence is what marks the present-day politics in Nepal. But you can go nowhere out of mistrust, warn analysts. "There is ample space to discuss and debate upon the issues raised by the Prime Minister but it would be inappropriate to question on his motives," said Govinda Adhikary, a journalist and political commentator.

According to Adhikary, Koirala's proposition is not entirely new in their form. He and several other leaders have been raising these issues in different contexts. "But what is important is Mr. Koirala has prescribed the medicine for the present ills facing the country. Now, its up to the political parties to take them in the right dose or reject it at own risk."

More than a year after replacing his own colleague, K. P. Bhattarai, Premier Koirala has failed to deliver the goods he had promised. The Maoist rebels have declared 'people's government' in nearly half a dozen districts and even the 'Integrated Security and Development Program' has failed to give any tangible results. Perhaps at the lowest ebb of his popularity, Koirala needs to re-establish his legitimacy through his performance in the national polity.

For the opposition, throwing out Koirala is the first condition to enter into the seat of power. UML strategists tend to believe that once Koirala vacates the chair, Nepali Congress -- a divided house -- would collapse in no time leaving behind the main opposition party as the only viable alternative.

Incidentally, despite all-out efforts from several quarters to remove him from office, Koirala remains firmly in the centrestage of Nepali politics. By virtue of commanding majority in the parliament and within the ruling party, even his opponents know it very well that they can't make Koirala quit under pressure. "But he may quit if given an opportunity for a graceful exit," said an insider. "Whatever be the case, Koirala will remain a `kingpin' whether you agree with him or not," said Adhikary. For the Nepali political parties, the cost of disagreement is likely to be much higher than they might have ever thought.

The 14-Point Agenda

--Legal and constitutional amendments be made in order to make clearer the right of the Prime Minister as enshrined in the constitution.

--An understanding be developed to make relations between the government and opposition transparent.

--Recommendations of an all-party committee regarding electoral reforms be implemented.

--A minimum policy level consensus be developed among all political parties and an all party consensus and commitment for the implementation of the Integrated Security and Development Program and control violence and terror.

--Activities like strikes and 'bandhs' be stopped at least for the next one decade.

--The next decade be declared as a "Decade of National Economic Reconstruction."

--Reforms in education sector be implemented.

--Land reforms be implemented.

--Necessary legal provisions for distribution of certificate of citizenship,

--Political intervention in the state-owned and semi-government enterprises be stopped and they be run in a professional way.

--The bill to curb corruption be passed from this session of the parliament.

--The bill to empower women be passed from the parliament.

--The bill to regulate the activities of the political parties be passed.

--Politicization of the bureaucracy be stopped.