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VOL. 03, NO. 01, June 01, 2009 (Jestha 18 2066)
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Rocky Road Ahead
Like all the previous governments, the government led by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal begins his journey with a rocky road ahead leading twenty-two political parties having no common agenda and iedeology. The challenge in front of his is how to drive the cabinet
By KESHAB POUDEL
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| PM Nepal : Difficult task |
“This government will complete its full tenure, completing its task to draft the new constitution of Nepal. It is merely a dream of some of politicians to see the downfall of this government soon,” said Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal addressing a meeting of the secretaries of the government.
Although prime minister Nepal reacted confidently about his government‘s tenure, his reaction speaks volumes. If Prime Minister Nepal is so confident, why did he feel the need to call a meeting of bureaucrats to convince them that his government will survive?
Given Nepal’s history, all elected prime minister post- revolution of 1950 have faced similar road. The challenges hunt as soon as the government starts its function. Nepal’s political reality is the continuation of uncertainty and instability. Political players and policies come and go but no party and no political leaders have been able to bring the stability in the country.
In this context, Unified-CPN-Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai’s comment has some solid points. If a government like Maoist which had two thirds majority in the Legislature Parliament can fall, there is no guarantee that this government with just over 350 seats and a plethora of conflicting parties and policies can complete its term.
When the institution of monarchy, with such a long history and traditions abolished and humiliated by the Constituent Assembly, there has been no party, person or institution that has been able to fill the role of stability and continuity that the monarchy had given Nepal.
External Vs Internal Dynamics
Since Nepal’s birth as an independent nation, Nepal’s internal dynamics remains predominantly influenced by external dynamics and external factor remains more influential in modern Nepal internal political dynamics.
Out going prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal even outlined this vehemently speaking how external elements forces him to resign. “I don’t want to follow the dictates of "Prabhu" (God). My government fell only when I disobeyed "Prabhu",” said Dahal criticizing the international forces.
Renowned American scholar late Leo Rose writes in his book Nepal: Profile of a Himalayan Kingdom writes, “it is normal phenomenon for the foreign policy of any society to be strongly affected by domestic political and economic factors, and this is certainly the case in Nepal. But, the reverse principle- namely, that international factors have a strong and often decisive impact on Kathmandu’s domestic policies – is even more apparent. This is painful fact of life for many Nepalis, and one that some of them would prefer to ignore.”
The collapsed of Maoist led government - one of the most powerful governments in decade- re-established the fact that Nepal’s fate is to live under a different alliance but in perpetual political instability. “The tenure of office of a Nepali Prime Minister who was persona non grata in New Delhi was likely to be short. Consequently, the view from New Delhi became an important, even the most important consideration in the internal politics of Nepal," writes Sri Lankan Scholar Shelton Kodikara in his book Strategic Factors in Interstate Relations in South Asia.
Following the political revolution of 1951, no governments, whatsoever powerful it might be, has completed its full term. Nepal is blessed with the unstable governments.
Despite the appointment of a new prime minister, Nepal is again in political turmoil facing a new round of crisis. The new drama is shocking for the people, who expected a year ago that abolition monarchy and elections of Constituent Assembly will bring a new prosperous and stable Nepal.
As describe by American Scholar late Leo E. Rose in his book, Nepal: Strategy for Survival is still valid as he published his book in 1971. “To Kathmandu, the current potentialities of external domination and subversion are not very different in kind- tho ugh they may be in degree-from those with which Nepali governments have had to contend for at least two centuries." And if the problems are not particularly new, neither is the repertory of response devised by the Kathmandu authorities.
“This government will complete its full tenure”
Prime Minister MadhavKumar Nepal
After taking oath of prime minister, Prime Minister MADHAV KUMAR NEPAL straight went to his office in Singh Durbar and briefly spoke with SPOTLIGHT just 24 hours before his national address, Prime Minister Nepal spoke about the need to have unity among all political parties. Excerpts of his interaction:
How long this government will last?
This government will complete its full tenure as prescribed in the Interim Constitution.
But, Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattaai said that your government will fall within a month. How do you look at it?
Some body may have dream and some body may have imagination to see the fall of this government but it will not happen. What I can say is that this government does not have any threats. Even I have told my secretaries in my address that they should work without taking any notice or comments regarding the stability of the government. I asked them to support the government to carry out its policies and programs.
Maoists have been saying that your government declined the question of supremacy of the civilian rule in the army. How do you see it?
Maoists are trying to fool the people arguing that the party supremacy is civilian supremacy. I want civilian supremacy but it must be under the constitution and rule of laws. One must respect the constitution and rule of law.
What are the priorities of your government?
The priority of this government is to write the constitution and maintain the law and order situation in the country. Other priority is to take the peace process at its logical by rehabilitating, reintegrating and restoring Maoist combatants.
After the release of the video of Maoist leader Prachanda, Nepali Congress is demanding to reduce the number of Maoist combatant as claimed by Prachanda. How do you look at it?
The government will take care all Maoist combatants as par the previous agreement. It is the responsibility of the government to take care them.
Recently, there is controversy over Nepal army. How do you see their role?
Nepal Army has played very important role in peace process and turning Nepal into a republic. It was the commendable role of Nepal Army. This government will respect their sensitivity.
Maoists have been launching vehement opposition against President Dr. Ram Varan Yadav. How do you see President Dr. Yadav’s role?
I don’t see any rational behind Maoist accusation. President Dr. Ramvaran Yadav is playing highly appreciable role as a guardian of the country and constitution. His role is highly commendable and beyond the controversy.
How optimistic are you that the constitution will promulgate in time when main opposition Maoists are such critical against your government?
They will also support the process of constitution making without making any hesitation. I am certain that Maoist leader Prachanda will cooperate with us in constitution making process. Our alliance with Maoist is old as we have joined hand signing 12 points agreement and several others including comprehensive peace process. I am committed to all agreements.
Do you believe that Maoist will accept your suggestions?
There is no alternative to peace and unity among us. We can not formulate the new constitution without common programs and unity among us. Even for the sake of protection of our unity, we need to strengthen our alliance.
Maoists have been claiming that they started some poor people oriented programs. How this government will see it?
We will not change any of the programs. If their programs are good and people oriented, we don’t have any hesitations to continue them. There is no question to amend any of their programs.
Do you think Maoist leaders will respond to your good gesture?
Maoist leader Prachanda has played very important role to bring back peace in the country. No body can undermine his role. I don’t think such a wise leader will create any trouble for us. Maoists too know that delaying the formulation of the new constitution will serve no body’s interest.
You have been saying allot of the things simmilar to what Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala said in the meeting of Legislature Parliament. How come there are these similarities?
Girija Prasad Koirala has played very important role in making Nepal as a federal democratic republic. He led the coalition government during the crucial transition period. He should be given due credit and respect.
Because of your differences, how will be your relations with United Maoist party?
I want to have cordial and good relations with Maoists. I have already told you that we cannot make the constitution without support of Maoists. Maoist leader Prachanda will support us.
When will the expansion of cabinet be complete?
It will complete within a few days. I have already requested our coalition partners to send the name of ministers. I hope they will send their names soon.
Is there any differences?
We don’t have any differences over the cabinet formation. The problems will be settled soon.
Do you think Maoist will support?
I am positive on their response. As I have mentioned there is no way out other than to go for national consensus.
