TIME RUNNING OUT
The Kathmandu Post
11
September 2016
TIME RUNNING OUT
Time seems to be running fast for the
government to implement the new constitution. In the remaining 18 months, all
the three tiers of elections should be held without any excuses. Unless the
Dahal led coalition government bring out a detailed work plan for the next 18
months and try to strictly follow it, the chances of Nepal to be federated seem dismal. Question may
arise here as to what will happen if the government failed to enact the law
related to the elections on time. What will happen if the government fails to
implement the new constitution by the end of the remaining 18 months?
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, while
directing the members of High-level Federalism Implementation and Restructuring
Directive Committee in his office, has instructed them to work firmly for the
implementation of federalism (“Work firmly to implement federalism: Pm to
officials” 7 September, Page 3). But saying and doing are two separate
things. Will all the political forces accept the final report of the committee?
The disgruntled parties are still are still demanding realignment of federal
states. If their concerns are not addressed, any effort to hold local election will
remain useless. It has been difficult for the people to understand why the
government does not quickly move forward to bring the agitating parties on
board and settle the outstanding political and constitutional problems as soon
as possible.
On the other hand, the UML led opposition
parties do not seem comfortable in amending the new constitution and address
the demands of the agitating forces. In this situation arises, the government
may fail to fulfil its promises made to the people that the new constitution
will be implemented on time. If the constitution is not implemented, the
country may plunge into another political uncertainty. Keeping this in mind,
all the major political parties should set aside their political egos and waste
no time in coming to consensus on critical political and constitutional issues.
Otherwise, their political existence may become questionable.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2016-09-11/time-running-out.html
