HEALTHY POLITICS

The Himalayan Times

12 September 2011

I wonder if the term “healthy politics” can be applied to the present political context of Nepal, which is passing through a highly explosive situation. We talk a lot about consensus politics these days while the major political parties remain engrossed in party politics rather than playing politics for national cause. Yes, they have their own political ideologies, principles and manifestos which cannot be undermined and ignored by the leaders. However, forging consensus over the national issues could also be of mutual interest and prime responsibilities of the political parties. Politics is also interpreted as the social work that is geared towards the well being of the people and the country. Is politics meant only to be the Prime Ministers, ministers or parliamentarians for pocketing the perks and benefits out of the people’s tax-paid money?

If democracy is to properly work, political parties representing different sections of the population have to exist. That is the charm of multi-party parliamentary democratic system. Electoral process, to be practiced by the sovereign people for choosing their representatives for a certain period of time, is one of the core elements of a democratic system. This has not happened in Nepal for more than five years, besides CA election which was for specific purpose.

Followed by the election and formation of Constituent Assembly almost five years ago, the people of Nepal were handed back their sovereignty. However, in the absence of healthy and constructive politics in the country, the post jana-andolan achievements seem to be fading away from the people’s mind. The people’s mandated prime jobs of completing the peace and new statute drafting processes remained to be done within the dead line, as prescribed in the Interim Constitution. Nothing substantial has been noticed even in the CA’s extended period of fifteen months except the frequent changes of the government undermining the national agenda. The intra and inter-party political feuds for their petty political interests have overshadowed the CA’s significance and supreme role. Time has come for the political parties of Nepal to sincerely and responsibly behave by correcting their unhealthy politics for prosperous and long-lasting peace in Nepal.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu