Impossible

The Himalayan Times

8 September 2016

Impossible

There are many challenges and opportunities for the Prachanda-led coalition government. His government needs to be committed to resolving the political and constitutional problems first that has gripped the nation for long. Unless these problems are sorted out, there does not seem any possibility of holding polls as claimed by the government “Govt. committed to holding local polls, says PM” (THT, 5 September Page 6). So far, there does not seem any indication of resolving the demarcation of Pradeshes which is one of the major demands of the disgruntled parties.

On the other hand, the Election Commission (EC) has been claiming that it could hold all the three tier of elections provided it receive the necessary laws on time. EC needs at-least 90 days to prepare for holding the polls. If the government could enact the necessary laws by mid September as claimed by Prime Minister Pushpa K. Dahal, the chances of holding the local polls by this January will be very high. However, the government should be able to address the issues raised by Federal Alliance (FA) and the United Democratic Madhesi Front before that. For this, the amendment to the new constitution is a must even if the government and agitating parties come to an agreement to resolve the problems.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj