No one should suffer from the great delusion that any form of communism or socialism which promotes the dictatorship of the few instead of the initiatives of the millions can produce a happier or more prosperous society — Charles E Wilson
The problem is not with the democracy that has been adopted by Nepal. It is the evil design of conceited and narcissistic politicians of the country who have exploited the system and the constitution. I cannot fathom that a country of a little over four crores has more than 25 political parties in the national arena and many more for provincial and Municipal/Local bodies. It only shows that every leader of the parties wants his or her pound of flesh – get-rich-quick syndrome. There is no love lost for the country or constitution.
The problem that faces the country is two folds. One, to bring back the king. Second, ensure political stability in the country so that the country can move forward with development and welfare for its citizens. Parties with the communist ideology have proven that they are unable to govern the country. There are no set answers or panacea in the dynamic political uncertainty.
Therefore, the first requirement will be to establish a government that will ensure political certainty and stability for the term without bothering for the numbers to survive. Unless this is ensured the politician of all hues and parties will continue to play the game to retain their power and will have no time for nation-building.
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In 2010 when the constituent assembly was assigned the task of creating the constitution for new Nepal, I had suggested that Nepal would do well in adopting a two-party system – not forever though. It could be mandated to review after 20 years or lay down a timeline to rethink the political system to be then adopted by Nepal. Now we cannot undo the history to establish a two-party system. No modern democracy practices that. But we must find a solution.
It will be a good idea to amend the constitution in the following lines to create a balance between the demand of king’s return and avoidance of communist rule: –
- To have a fixed tenure for the head of the government. He/she may resign of his/her own volition due to personal reasons/health. In such eventuality, the constitution should mention who would be anointed the next head of the government – most likely the Deputy Prime Minister. So that a clear hierarchy is laid down in the Constitution.
- To have only a pre-poll alliance or block of like-minded parties and no alliance partner(s) is/are allowed to destabilise the government later. No post-poll alliance to be permitted to just achieve the minimum number of Members of Parliament to form the government.
- In case no party will be able to form the government in 15 days, repoll to be ordered by the order of the President. Since this will be mandated by the Constitution, no court will be able to meddle in the decision of the President. The example can be drawn from Israel where four national general elections have been held within a span of three years.
- No politician can be elected for the same political position more than twice. What it means is that no more than two terms for any elected member. However, a political worker can make his/her way up to the next elected post. One can move up to Provincial Assembly from the Municipal ward or to the National Parliament from the Provincial Assembly. This will open political space for more people with fresh ideas and thinking.
- All political corruption is to be finalised by all courts within six months.
- Establish a constitutional monarchy where the monarch is a titular head of state. But the head of the government will be an elected member of the parliament.
Conclusion
It is time for Nepal to produce a true leader who is selfless and has the concern of his or her country and people in mind.
Communists have tied Nepal in a Gordian knot. It will require a great will, resolve and political shrewdness for any leader to pull out the country from the quagmire that it is now. PM Sher Bahadur Deuba can go down in the history if he shows the statesmanship to steer Nepal out of the quagmire that the country is in.
