Elections must be held; elections can’t be held

The already crisis ridden country is further snowed under by the idea of holding of the elections. To be or not to be is what has been under fierce contest among the intellectuals, leaders, and even the monarch.

Two sets of opinion have been dominating the elections. The first theory holds that elections were must in order to bring back the derailed system and the constitution into its original rails from where it derailed some one and a half year back. The other set summarily discards the first theory by pushing its own views that advocates that elections under the prevailing chaotic situation neither could be held nor would be advantageous for varied reasons.

The third set, if any, remains just bemused pondering over the two previous theories. Notably, this set is being represented by those who are told to vote at times of the elections and later their voices remain ignored at least till the next elections. This set represents the disqualified and debarred group of the Nepali society but yet apparently hints the power-that-be in Kathmandu that they are "made" only for voting at the elections and that they could be ignored "until further notice". It is altogether a different matter that the international donor community has several plans and programs in order to "include" this excluded groups into the mainstream politics of the country and in the process been pumping in colossal amounts but then the fact remains that the money doesn’t reach to the targeted groups. Instead, posh buildings are seen being constructed by the men told to serve the excluded groups’ interests. The money is being utilized not by the men where it should have reached but by those who have been entrusted to act on their behalf.

Regarding holding of the elections, it appears that even the international friends too differ sharply. For example, a month ago German parliamentarians provided their nod to the idea of holding elections in Nepal considering that the system and the constitution will begin functioning automatically after a representative house of representatives takes its formal shape. The Thapa government thought that Germany came in favor of the elections and hence geared up activities in that direction. However, other set of countries well within the European Union, apparently differed with the German idea contending that elections were a must, but not all, in a democratic system. This set preferred not to dismiss the idea of holding of the elections totally, however, it spoke somewhat what Nepali political parties now in opposition been talking against the elections. This set of countries in an implied manner hinted the Thapa establishment that under the prevailing heightened Maoists’ violent activities, the elections could not be held in a free and fair manner. The logic forwarded by this set of countries too can’t be dismissed for obvious reasons. The fact is that security situation is as bad as any thing and hence conducting of elections in such a situation might not be out of the periphery of suspicion.

The first set that favors the elections is being backed by nonelessthan the monarch himself. The Head of state apparently has been hinting that he will hold the elections come what may. What also becomes clear from his daring declarations in favor of the polls is that he will not acquiesce to the demands of the parties opposing his October 4 moves unless a real parliament takes its formal shape after the hustings for which he has already announced that it would be held well within the next Nepali year. In stressing the need for the elections, the King conceivably wishes to signal the Maoists that he will manage the elections even if they continue with their aggressive activities. The idea could be that if he doesn’t do so would mean that he too is afraid of the Maoists’ activities. He is perhaps signaling the Maoists that the State will continue to function even if hurdles were there in the road. King Gyanendra in his one-point agenda, the elections, apparently enjoys backing from yet another powerful force on the earth.

Be that as it may, elections or no elections are the issue today in the country. Elections have got to be held, however, equally true is the fact that it must be held that ensured wider participation and for wider participation, the security factor can’t be totally disregarded. What is also true is that elections can’t be deferred sine die simply because the Maoists will damage the prospects of the elections. What would be really a pragmatic view is that the establishment brings the insurgents to the table and grants concession that satisfies their grievances and later both the warring rivals agree to a armistice. In this space the elections could be held. How nice it would have been if the insurgents too participated in the elections?

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