View Point (Spotlight Weekly)

Flexibility and Accomodation The Only Way to Peace

By TARANATH RANABHAT, Speaker

Nepal recently celebrated Parliament day organized by the club of ex-parliamentarians. But, what a pity! The country's highest representative body, the emblem of democracy, our parliament is in a disabled state for more than two years. The most authoritative and final organ, the House of Representatives, having been dissolved, is in an uncertain state. The other organ, national assembly is incomplete and inactive. And the other important and prestigious organ, the monarchy, is being involved in great controversy.

The absence of the only constitutional organization, the altar of the people’s representative, which could propel the poor and developing country like Nepal towards the path of development has not only accentuated the need for a responsible and accountable government but added more complexities to the already existing woes of the country. Everything is being managed by ordinances, even formulation or amendments of laws or the announcement of the budget. One is forced to adopt such ad hocisms when the rules of the game are broken or the legal processes of checks and balance are suspended. And this always results in uncertainty, indiscipline and anarchism, which we are experiencing now and suffering from.

There was overwhelming participation of the peoples from all the nook and corner of the country, peoples of all faith and ideologies and peoples belonging to all sections of the society including the janjatis and the dalits in the historic peoples campaigns of 2046. The struggle for the establishment of democracy had given birth to the rule of law. The whole country had welcomed and accepted the principle of the supremacy of the constitution. While entrenching the fundamentalism of the rule of the people, by the people and for the people in parliamentary democracy, the movement had firmly established the two important pillars of our state, the kingship and the people in the form of constitutional monarchy and the multiparty democracy. The constitution of 2047 drafted in consonance with the aspirations of the people, which was meant to serve as the strong bond between the people’s power and the institution of monarchy was gladly approved by the monarch. No one can overlook the fact that all the political parties including the communists of which the present day Maoists were an integral part at that time had accepted it and the entire world had not only given it due recognition but had acclaimed it whole heartedly. The constitution has kept the doors open for any amendment or improvement. Monarchy in Nepal had traditionally been considered the embodiment of sovereignty and the sole source of authority and power. It was not at all an easy matter for the king to transfer this sovereignty and authority to the people. It was, indeed, a manifestation of greatness and magnanimity on the part of the monarch to have readily resigned such a privilege and submitted to the demands of the changing times. It was a great historic event when the two permanent power structures of the country - the people and the monarchy came together and vowed to take the country forward towards economic development. This will always inspire the coming generation and serve them as the beacon.

Situated between two vast and more affluent countries, independent and sovereign Nepal’s geo-politics is quite sensitive. Described like a “yam between two boulders” by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, or as “an infant between two huge elephants´” by B.P. Koirala, Nepal is in a very delicate situation. Similarly, our lifestyle and existence, too, characterized by the unity of diverse social and cultural traditions are equally sensitive. Keeping this reality in view we can see that our constitution has clearly delineated the rights, limitations and responsibilities of both, the people and the monarchy. This must have been done with the noble objective of making both the king and the people equally accountable in the management and administration of the state following the principle of King in council and King in parliament – with the explicit demarcation of rights and duties. Not only this, it also clearly explains the spirit of accepting the monarch as the symbol of nationalism and national unity and entrusting him the obligation of defending the constitution as well as staying within its perimeter.

In the multiparty democracy the political parties represent the wishes, the aspirations, the beliefs and faiths of the people. These parties not only inspire them to participate in policy planning and their implementation but also encourage them to make proper use of their clout and capabilities. The greater their integrity, transparency and responsibility in pursuing the rules and norms of clean politics in electing their representatives through periodic elections to run the government, the greater the chances of democracy becomeing productive and purposeful. If we correctly and impartially assess our behavior of the last fourteen years in these exercises, we will be forced to waver between satisfactions and frustrations. This beautiful system in which the people have reposed their faith and concern could not be managed purposefully, impartially, selflessly and without any hindrance. If we have made some remarkable achievements in several fields during this period, there are several lacunas in the spheres of effective administration, political stability and maintenance of law and order. Knowingly or unknowingly, the distortions and deceptions that were indulged in by the parties have disillusioned the people. This disillusionment gave birth to the insurgency, which has perpetrated havoc and destruction in our country and we are paying dearly. Why did this happen? How long will this last? Who can answer? Who can deliver us from this situation? We are in a conundrum. We are puzzled. We are uncertain and, therefore, in darkness. And this darkness keeps on adding conflicts. The actors and their attitudes of these conflicts, the nature and type of the conflicts and the aims and objectives of the conflicts are all very badly entangled. How to manage and solve them? Who has the constitutional authority? And who is morally equipped? It could be done only if there were unanimity and national unity. Unfortunately, the forces who should have stayed united are themselves divided and at loggerheads. There is no national consensus. All the forces and the organizations that are committed and dedicated to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy are divided, uncertain and frustrated. People caught in the snare of misgivings and lack of trust and confidence are unable to mend themselves. Consequently, the nation is being gradually pushed to extreme polarization. Extremist thinking is gaining ground. It is becoming quite difficult, if not impossible, to come to a logical conclusion in the contentious issues of active monarchy or the people’s republic, roundtable conference or referendum or the constituent assembly. All those who have faith in constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy and could contribute to constructive mediation seem themselves to be captives of indecision and totally perplexed. They are being taken in by varying slogans and debates. Such tendencies could prove to be dangerous for the parties, for the people, for democracy and even for the country itself. Reason has given way to violence. The government cannot perform and has not performed. It is a no-win situation and the nation is embroiled in a losing conflict. Despite being passengers of the same boat, there is a lack of seriousness in getting across safely. Guns will not save us from drowning, only dialogue and negotiation will. Let us start the talks. It is possible to accommodate the social, economic and cultural agendas of the Maoists by necessary amendments in the constitution. Regarding participation or leadership in the government, it is for the people to decide. It is high time that we take pledge to conduct a free and fair elections by forming an all party government. Our efforts must be directed to win the confidence of the people by our political agenda and adherence to healthy competition. It is not a time for sticking to obduracy. We must be flexible and accommodative. To end the destructive and dangerous situation, the Maoists, too, must agree to renounce arms. They are welcome to join the war of words and ideas. That is the only way to achieve our objective.