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VOL. 28, NO. 22, Feb 20, 2009 (Falgun 09 2065) |
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"Nepal Must Develop Its Original Concept On Federalism"
Girija Prasad Koirala
Former prime minister and leader of Nepali Congress GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA, who led the government till the Maoists formed the coalition government last year, is in a nationwide tour attending various programs. Eighty-six-years-old Koirala is attending discussions programs on constitution making. At a time when the CA is in the process of constitution making, Koirala is leading his party's stand on new constitution. Excerpts of his views:
On New Constitution
I am not a constitutional expert but it is related to life. Without sun, water and air, life is impossible. Similarly, country is impossible without constitution. The constitution is also related to every individual as well as the country. First of all, we need to prepare a basic principle for constitution. We must be clear what are the fundamental bases for the constitution. How can it be life line and how can it be functional? People must show ownership to the constitution.
On Democratic Statute
Only democratic constitution will full fill such quality. Democracy has a certain universally accepted principles and we must adhere to this. Human rights, periodical elections, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Speech, individual liberty and independent judiciary need to be incorporated in the constitution.
On Federalism
Recently, I met a Swedish professor who told me Swedish model of devolution of power. Despite unitary in nature, Sweden's central authority is completely decentralized to the grass root. I was very much inspired by the Swedish model of power sharing between the center and grass roots. We can follow the Swedish model of decentralization transferring all power to the grass root. When I asked him how Swedish model will be viable for a country like Nepal with diverse ethnic groups and many minorities, his answer was simple and clear. Since Swedish model of devolution of power is to transfer power to the people at grass root, all groups, even smaller minorities in the village and ward level will enjoy the power. According to him, Swedish model of decentralization will not create any tier of power above the government. The power is divided between center and grass root and all the people are accommodated at the village level. I don't know how the constitution is functioning in Sweden. I am saying all this based on my wish. For a country like Nepal, we cannot copy a federal model of particular country as it has its own geographical characteristics.
On Autonomy
So far as federal issue is concerned, I want to say only one thing that federalism should not encourage disintegration. Federalism must unify the country strengthening its identity as an independent and sovereign Nepal. Federalism must be the basis of unification. It is up to the experts to decide what kind of federalism would be viable for the country. Whether it should be carved with north south plank or in any other way. I have only one idea about federalism that Nepal should remain a unified nation. We should not encourage disintegration tendencies through the federalism.
On Political Consensus
We are in the process of drafting the constitution and all of us have consensus that a democratic constitution is lifeline of state. Everyone needs democratic constitution. First of all we need to frame a democratic principle for the constitution. Under this principle, we can draft a democratic constitution. We must include the spirit of democratic principle accommodating the views of all the people. Only through this kind of constitution, Nepal can be stronger and stable.
On Political Stand
Do not think that I am a rigid person. I am flexible politician but my flexibility has limitation. So far as the democratic principles are concerned, I cannot compromise with anybody and any party. The constitution must inherit universally accepted democratic principle that is the sovereignty of the people. I cannot compromise with anybody who promotes the disintegration of nation. I want a constitution which will uphold the spirit of unified Nepal. I believe that the constitution should be framed under the basis of all party consensuses. Only then, we will have stable constitution.
On Experts' Role
We need institution like SCOPE when the country is making the new constitution. SCOPE has a long history in the past supporting the constitution making process. I wish SCOPE would work as a watch dog institution or think tank in the process of constitution making. For this, I am ready to provide all kinds of necessary support.
On Content
The constitution must be clear and convincing. I don't want to see any ambiguity in it. As a politician, I don't want to see a complicated and long constitution. It should be shorter and concise. There is a need for all party consensus like in the past to draft the new constitution. We have sacrificed and compromised everything to bring the peace and tranquility in the country. In the recent days, the political understanding is gradually breaking apart.
