ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT

The Kathmandu Post

21 May 2017

ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT

After almost 20 years, the first phase of the local elections was held on May 14 in three provinces with much enthusiasm. Now, the counting of votes is underway in the district head quarters of all three provinces (“Vote counting tedious, time-consuming affair” Mar 17, Page 1). Voters are anxiously waiting to see if those they voted for get elected.

It is yet to be seen now whether the second phase of local level elections-slated for June 14 – will be held in the remaining four provinces. Also, in accordance to the four point clandestine agreement that took place between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN (Maoist Centre), PM Dahal is handing over the reins of government to Sher Bahadur Deuba within a week (“PM Dahal says will step down within a week” May 16, Page 1). Dahal should be credited this time for fulfilling his commitment by successfully holding the first phase local polls. It will be Deuba’s turn to hold the second phase by bringing the Madhes based political parties on board. For this, his government has to initiate constitution amendment process soon.

It was also encouraging to read the news about New Delhi assuming a neutral position at such a time when the government has already announced the date for the second phase elections. If the Deuba led government fails to hold the elections, the legitimacy of the first phase will remain questionable. This will directly affect the new statute which needs to be implemented by holding three tiers of elections within January 2018. If the constitution is not amended, the country may again plunge into political and constitutional crisis. It is hoped that the major political parties especially the UML will soften their stands on constitution amendment and pave the way for holding second phase of the local elections on time.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

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Who is he?

Biren P. Bangdel (also known as Rai Biren Bangdel ) is a development management consultant, project analyst, and citizen journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal . Professional Profile & Background: Project Executive : He has served as an Executive Director and consultant for organizations like Om Ganeshaya Namah Pvt. Ltd. and Merryknoll Nepal (Asha Deep). He also served as a Campus Director in Weigan and Leigh College .He was Deputy Project Manager in Nepal-Swiss funded Rural Health Development Project and Deputy Team Leader in Nepal-CIDA funded Rural Development Project. Project Expertise : He specializes in managing and monitoring multi-million rupee rural development, healthcare, and educational administration projects across Nepal. His core career history spans executive roles within international non-governmental organizations, bilateral foreign aid bilateral projects , and private management enterprises. Media & Commentary : He is an active blogger, online commen...

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