Electing President

Members of electoral college of Nepal are participating soon in the election for the Third President of the country. The occasion is considered great and the parliamentarians and assembly members have to use their political wisdom in choosing one of the two veterans of Nepali politics – Ram Chandra Paudyal and Subhash Nembang for the Head of State. While both candidates are popular and respected throughout the country and therefore deserve special consideration, only one of them will emerge victorious in the electoral process. That is what all accept as the result of the democratic practice of voting. Mr. Paudyal is a Nepali Congress leader and has open support from majority of parties represented in the parliament and Assemblies of seven provinces. Nembang is leader of the CPN UML which also claims that more members of the Electoral College will back him during voting. The presidential election is taking place at a time when Nepali politics has been witnessing major experiment of formation of a new alliance and a break-up of the alliance that was structured during the time of shaping PM Dahal – led -government in the post election period just two months ago. The CPN UML which played key role in forming new alliance after polls has already left the government of PM Dahal and withdrawn its support for the same. The experiment has been described as being undertaken for enabling the present hung-parliament to continue firmly for its five year tenure as per the mandate of the people. The unpredictability of transactional politics has made all surprised. Yet politicians say they have made the new alliance for ensuring political stability. Although the President in Nepal is ceremonial and does not enjoy any executive power, the leader in the presidential role has much to contribute to the protection of the constitution and its varied provisions. That is why political parties and leaders of government consider the post as highly significant. The Electoral College should, before voting, also evaluate the way two presidents of Nepal played their top most role in the past during their tenure. The same could enable them to make a better decision in picking one and not electing the other. Voting for a president, after all, is not just a formality. It is the most responsible job for the representatives of Nepalis. Their decision could make a difference in the performance of the institution in the country for the next five years.