Democracy, Elections and Politics of Boycott in Nepal

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By Narayan Prasad Mishra

Obstructed Parliament and Ghost of Reinstatement

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2047 has established a constitutional monarchy, multi-party system with parliamentary democracy in the country.

But the parliament was dissolved twice because of the feud among the political parties, personal rivalry, conflict, accusations and counter-accusations among the leaders of the parties. The country could not see elections due to differences between the parties and the Maoist problem that led to unrest and conflict in the country. With this the parliament could not came into existence after the existing parliament was dissolved four years ago.

The result was that the multi-party system and the parliamentary system were disrupted. Of the three bases of the constitution only the constitutional monarchy remained active and functional. This is the reality that came into being because of the chain of events and the situation.

The question now is how to reactivate the stalled process of multi-party democracy and parliamentary system as soon as possible without exhuming the dead parliament. All must honestly agree that it is useless to discuss whether or not the defunct parliament should be revived.

Reactivation of Constitution and Election

In this context, an election is a prerequisite for putting the derailed democratic process back on track. It is because elections are the basis of democracy and the political parties can activate themselves. And also, it is only through election that parliament comes into existence and democratic government can be formed. Then after all the Articles of the constitution will automatically be functional and the constitution become active.

Undemocratic Demand and Election Boycott

When one analyses on the basis of the above mentioned truth and realities, one can conclude that when the political parties should have demanded a general election as soon as possible, their decision of boycotting the announced poll does not seem wise and has no basis in democratic principle.

Them seeking restoration of the dissolved parliament without election has no constitutional and democratic rationale. Therefore, it will be far wiser if they want their democratic demands to be fulfilled through wisdom and logic instead of resorting to unconstitutional and undemocratic means based on threat, agitation and protests. Only this will help develop a civilized society and correct political practice.

Multiparty System and Importance of Political Parties

No matter how much and for whatsoever reasons the multiparty system and parliamentary have been obstructed the importance of political parties in a multiparty system cannot be understated. The political parties are the sole players in elections and it is the political parties that win or lose elections. And the political parties form the election and it should be so.

General Election and Policy of Consensus

The undemocratic strategy of boycotting elections and choosing the path of conflict and confrontation instead of conciliation by the major political parties cannot be justified in any way.

It is still more incorrect to add to the woes of the country, which is already reeling from the Maoists' violence and unrest. Therefore, it will be quite logical and relevant to raise voices on the opinions, suggestions and demand on what could be done to make the election and general election, which are urgently needed to activate the constitution, free, fair and impartial and all encompassing or what kind of government - all-party, interim or electoral government - are needed, and what could be done to make the Maoists also take part in the election.

Politics of boycott will drag the country deeper into the abyss and further conflict and confrontation will only cause more trouble to the people. Therefore, the only rational and wise way is to forge understanding and settlement in running the country under democratic and constitutional practices instead of looking for pretexts for quarrel.

This is the demand of the time and all should keep this in mind.