Political Crisis in Nepal

Nepal is in political disarray at present. After the abolition of monarchy, Nepal is on the way to draft the constitution to suit New Republic via duly elected constitutional assembly, nearly two years back. The deadline of finalization of the new constitution is May 28, but the present status regarding constitutional framework is still at its early beginning. The political scenario of Nepal gives the impression that it is impossible to get drafted within the given timeframe. What happens when there is absence of constitution in this country? We cannot even dream of the awful situation. If the political parties do have strong commitments, they can amend the interim constitution and extend time limit up to six months to facilitate the ongoing drafting process to final completion. But for this to happen, a national consensus is required and there is less possibility of political consensus as the ruling coalition and the opposition parties are in constant scuffle often leading to street fighting and teargas shelling and firing.

In parliamentary democracy, usually the largest political party having peoples mandate is not in opposition. But in Nepal the other parties are united for the coalition government isolating the largest party, the UCPN (Maoist) which was in armed insurgency for a decade but turned into peace process after the people's movement II, 2005. Since the national consensus (two third majorities) is necessary to pass any bill of the constitution, unless the political consensus is there as also designed in the comprehensive peace accord and the interim constitution of Nepal, drafting of constitution is not possible. This is the root cause of political turmoil in the country.

The Maoist lunched indefinite strike from May 2, 2010 demanding timely draft of constitution, logical conclusion of peace process and other demands. As the present Govt, according to them, stands barrier to this national peace process, they also demanded resignation by Prime Minister. Though present Prime Minister is the senior leader of CPN (UML), the Maoist blamed him as the puppet of the reactionaries and his govt. holds the support of expansionist neo-liberalist forces who like to undermine the peoples' power and achievements of peoples movement. Actually Maoist came into streets and called for general strike. All shops, factories, schools, campuses and government offices all over the country remained closed during the general strike. No vehicles were allowed to run along the streets and highways. Literally, hundreds of thousands of cadres and supporters of Maoist party, mostly the rural peasants and urban workers, came to the streets of the capital and district headquarters and city centers with flags and banners which put the country in virtual standstill.

Up to the fourth day, the strike was peaceful. But then the ruling parties used their youths and sister organizations to counteract the protest, the demonstration became a bit violent. The police had to recourse to battoning, use tear gas shells and also sporadic firing over the protesters injuring many and killing some. The situation developed automatically very serious both on Maoist cadres getting more excited and prolonged disturbance on peoples' daily life which invited flow of requests to restore peace from various sector including civil society and diplomats. Although Maoists had declared indefinite strike, they withdrew the strike on the 6th day. This withdrawal received wide acclaim from every sector because it saved the further loss of life and property and eased peoples' daily life. Later, it was disclosed that there was tacit understanding in high diplomatic arena to have peaceful but radical change over the present impasse. The Premier had publicly committed that if the Maoists withdrew the strike, he would resign to give a way to the peace process. But now he is retreating back and not willing to give up the power. He, as Prime Minister, has delivered a written call to Maoist for meeting and dialogue reaching mutual solutions. But the Maoists have turned down his request outright as resignation of PM being their precondition for any talk with Govt.

Both the Maoists and ruling coalitions are demanding national consensus, the status quo stalemate remains untouched thereby forcing standstill on all fronts of national issues. One thing is clear that the government headed by Mr. Madhab Kumar Nepal failed to bring all parties together and reach a national consensus acceptable to all political stakeholders. Now every section of society, the business men, intellectuals and even the ambassadors of various countries are requesting Prime Minister to forge a way to peaceful solution. Alas! There is no readymade answer.