Hard nut to crack

The Himalayan Times

13 July 2017

Hard nut to crack

The second phase elections in three provinces were held successfully and the counting of votes is almost over. The UML has won more local levels than any single party. Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) are in second and third positions. Now the focus of the government is gearing towards holding third phase polls in Province 2 on September 18 which is crucial for the ruling, opposition and disgruntled parties in terms of constitution implementation. All the positive and productive efforts should be applied in order to fulfil the requirement for holding this election. For this, the Deuba led government should try its level best to bring Rastiya Janata Party-Nepal (RJPN) on board.

One of the three demands is to amend the constitution, which the ruling parties are finding hard to do, “Bid to muster two-third majority in favour of bill” (THT, July 11, Page 1). Garnering two-third majority in the parliament to amend the constitution has been a tough challenge for the government. For this, the UML’s cooperation is vital. So far, it does not seem positive and continues to publicly say that it will not support the constitution amendment process if the government goes for voting on the amendment bill in Parliament. Also, the UML wants the amendment bill submitted by the Dahal led government three months ago to be taken back. There does not seem any possibility for the ruling parties to get the amendment bill through the parliament.

On the other hand, the Election Commission (EC) has requested the government to fix dates for the provincial and parliamentary elections and enact related laws on time. These elections are to be held before January 21, 2018 in accordance with the new constitution.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj