No alternative to talks
The
Himalayan Times
6 January
2017
No
alternative to talks
One
should not get surprised if the three major will come to consensus in near
future to save their face as they did in the past “Parties mull face-saving
formula for consensus” (THT, 3rd January, Page 1). Looking closely
at the ongoing political dialogue among these major parties, there seems to be a
chance of the government withdrawing its
bill related to constitution amendment and holding the three tiers of elections
before January 21, 2018. Both the government and the opposition seem to be
softening their stands. There is no alternative for them to forging consensus
and going for the election. Otherwise, there will be political and
constitutional crisis in the country if they fail to implement the new
constitution.
However,
the UML led opposition parties have continued to obstruct the House proceedings
for the last one month to exert pressure on the coalition government to
withdraw the amendment bill. On the other hand, the UDMF’s wants the constitution
to be amended in accordance with their demand before going for the local
election. This contradictory political situation has put the Dahal led
government in confusion. UDMF has started staging protest warning the
government not to undermine their voices “UDMS’s warning rally” (THT, 3 Jan.
Page 5). Likewise, the Tharuhat/Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee has announced
the second phase of protest programme demanding a separate Tharuhat province
“Tharuhat announces more protests” (THT 3 Jan, Page 5).
This
indicates that the political situation in Nepal does not seem favourable in the
coming days. If the government continues to take its stand for constitution
amendment without addressing the demands of the agitating parties, the chances
of political instability in Nepal seem unavoidable. All the political parties, i.e.
those are in the parliament, hove no other choices besides coming to consensus
and holding the local elections within the next one year. Time is running out
for them. They should be ready to sit on the negotiating table and thrash out
political differences leaving aside their political egos. Otherwise, all of
them will lose the game and somebody with hammer in its hand will come to the
political surface putting the political existence of the major political
parties in limbo.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharjgunj
