POLITICAL OPTIMISM
The Kathmandu Post
17 September 2017
POLITICAL
OPTIMISM
Nepal
will fully enter into a federal structure once remaining local polls and upcoming
federal and provincial elections are concluded. Third phase local polls in
Province 2 are scheduled to take place on September 18 and voting for provincial
and federal legislatures will be held on November 26 and December 7. Completion
of these elections will also ensure the implementation of the new constitution
which will guide the future political course of the Republic of Nepal (“Fallacy of federal facade” Sept 13, Page
6).
In
the first two local level elections, the UML has become the leading party.
However, it is yet to be seen whether the UML will be able to lead in the
upcoming elections. Also, its unyielding stance against the constitution will
be tested during the local level elections. Likewise, RJPN’s political strength
will be measured among the Madhesi people. If the RJPN fails to garner
sufficient votes, it will not be able to elect a sizable number of
representatives.
While
a federal structure will dramatically increase financial pressure, expectations
of people in rural areas will be very high with regard to development
programmes. In addition, unwillingness of civil servants to run for a post has
started surfacing and appropriate and sufficient laws are yet to come. However,
it is hoped that these elections will put Nepal’s democracy on the right track
and Nepal will be able to prove that the concept of federalism is not a fallacy.
Rai Biren
Bangdel
Maharjgunj
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2017-09-17/political-optimism.html
