ALARMING SITUATION

The Kathmandu Post

8 January 2017

ALARMING SITUATION

It seems that the ongoing political situation in the country may either end productively or create constitutional crisis. The transition period has not been conducive for constitution implementation. The government has hardly a year’s time to hold three tiers of elections, which does not seem likely given the ongoing stalemate. If the government fails to fulfil its duty on time, the chances of a crisis are very high. After going through the article (“Between a rock and a hard place” 4 January, Page 6), I am sure, many readers will have been nervous, considering the governing parties on one side and the UML led opposition and Madhes based parties on the other side at a time when they should have resolved all political differences and been ready to participate in local elections.

The current political situation demands two things; first, the government has to sit with the Madhes based parties to come to a consensus. Unless, there issue is resolved, the chances of holding local election seem dismal. Second, the government has to bring UML led opposition to board and seek their consensus on constitution amendment. These are not easy tasks. Given the political odds, the Dahal led government seems to be in difficult situation. Will it be able to resolve the current political crisis? Will it be able to bring other parties on board, amend the constitution and go for the election by January 18? Now, it is the time for the NC Boss Sher Bahadur Deuba to take the helm. Will the coalition government remain intact until then?

As the article said, as long as India continues to interfere in Nepali politics, the next round of elections will not be possible without reaching a consensus with the Madhes movement, whether or not we accept its existence. There are not many options for the political parties besides agreeing on major issues. They need to leave aside their political interests and egos and amend the constitution as demanded by the Madhes based parties and hold election. However, only time will tell whether this will happen or not.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2017-01-08/misleading-the-readers.html