Despite the formation of the Chief Justice-led Interim Election Council one and a half months ago, uncertainties continue to prevail in the country. The prolonged phase of uncertainties has now led the people to believe that things are not moving ahead as expected. When the four major political forces – UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and the United Democratic Madhesi Front – decided to form the government under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi, the general feeling was that the country has headed into a new phase with high expectations that the election of the Constituent Assembly would be held soon. But with the delay in nomination of election commissioners and other hurdles, the much-needed preparations for fair and free election are yet to be completed.
Unlike a section of the society which believes that the government has been delaying the announcement of the date for new polls, which is now likely to be held in November, we believe that it would be too early to announce the date as there are many other issues needed to be addressed before that announcement. To begin with, the Election Commission’s proposal on eligibility threshold of one percent for seats under proportional representation electoral system and downsizing of the CA from 601 to 491 members has been challenged by many parties. Those opposing the proposal argue that the women, Madhesi, indigenous communities, Dalits and other marginalized groups would not be strong enough to voice their concerns if the threshold is implemented and the CA is downsized. We do agree that the one percent threshold for the proportional representation system would deprive the smaller parties and marginalized groups from being represented in the CA, which could make it less inclusive. However, reducing the number of representatives could be possible if it ensures representation of all groups like in the previous CA. These are just the technicalities that need to be worked out before announcing the poll date.[break]
And more than that, ensuring the participation of all the major political parties in the electoral process is a must. The CPN-Maoist led by Mohan Baidya has not only decided to boycott the election but has vowed to disrupt the process. Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum Nepal led by Upendra Yadav and Federal Socialist Party of Ashok Rai, and many other smaller parties, are also against the ongoing process. Thus, the immediate need now is to bring these dissenting groups into the negotiating table and include them in the overall process, as keeping aside these major forces out of the process would not ensure free and fair polls. CPN-M and other dissenting parties should also understand that the country has already adopted the election government, and going to election under the present government is the only viable option at present. The party who always puts forward their agenda arguing that they are working for the people must be ready to take their agenda to the people. Therefore, there should be immediate efforts to begin the dialogue between the four parties and other dissenting parties and create a proper environment for the polls. Announcing the poll date alone would not solve the problem. The government and the Election Commission are there only to support the political parties and it is up to the parties to work towards finding a solution to overcome the current uncertainties.
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