Government formation

The Himalayan Times

29 January 2014

Government formation

It is encouraging to read the news report “NC bids to bring all under unity govt” (THT, 28 Jan. Page 1) at such a time when the common people are anxiously waiting to see a strong and reliable government in place under the NC leadership at the soonest possible. It has been a high time the NC leadership reached out to all the political parties represented in the second CA to form a unity government without wasting any time and started working on the process of drafting new constitution within one year as promised during the CA election.

Since the President has already asked all the political parties to form a consensus government by February 2, it is the prime responsibility of the NC leadership to speed up the process for the same. If they fail to form such government, then the President will have to call for a majority government. In both the situation, it is the NC that has to take initiatives which does not also seem easy looking at the UML’s stands for fresh election for both the President and Vice President. Albeit, the Supreme Court has already given its verdict on this issue directing to al the concerned to abide by the Interim Constitution that clearly mentions that the President and Vice President will remain in the office until the new constitution is promulgated. However, UML interprets this issue as the political issues.

Looking at these, the formation of new government may likely to take some time which would be very unfortunate considering its urgency. The UCPN(M) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nepal) have already shown their willingness to sit in the opposition bench. So, it is yet to be seen as to how the NC will convince the UML to reconsider their demands and make them agree to join in the new government. It is hoped that both the parties will create a win-win situation and join hands together for forming a stable either unity or majority government and start working on drafting the new constitution.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.