Democratic maturity

The maturity witnessed in the on-going preparation for election of 20 members for Nepal’s parliamentary Upper House – National Assembly called Rastriya Sabha- is notable. The permanent House is electing 20 members on Thursday to fill seats which get vacant as per the constitutional provision -compulsory retirement of one third of the 59-member- House every two years. Political parties which have candidates for the seats particularly the ruling coalition and the opposition CPN UML along with the Election Commission have all demonstrated democratic behavior in their approach to the poll. Although it is a routine constitutional exercise, politicos seek to make a difference in the structure of the RS by getting their men or women elected in the polls. For the same they undertake nation-wide campaigning advocating the motto, principles and programmes of their parties. Senior leaders take the issue of polls as a matter of their political status. The Upper House in Nepali context provides the parliament with a rather experienced strategy, mature wisdom and thoughtful input to parliamentary functioning specially bill making. It is instrumental in opening room for the politicos or distinguished persons who for some or other reason cannot compete or are not in politics. It is a forum where personalities of national status or those who have contributed most to the great cause of the people and the country can get opportunities. If political parties select candidates for RS polls in a wise manner, it boosts participation in national affairs in the real sense of the term. There are various areas to which the RS could add value to the democratic practice. Since it is constituted by the votes of the elected representatives of the people, it is also highly representative at the national level. The country has institutionalized federalism at the moment through democratic participation of the people. Two general elections have already been held and several rounds of RS elections have also been held as well.  The electoral process has in a sense been institutionalized in Nepal and this is a very encouraging point. After all democracy requires a reliable electoral system which makes citizens participate at various levels ranging from wards to municipalities, provincial assemblies and federal parliament. The way the RS poll is being held at the moment reassures Nepalis about the continued sustainability of the present constitutional system. It promotes political participation in a democratic manner. Those who criticize it or seek alternative to it should learn lessons from this for changing approach to politics in future. They should utilize best the opportunities for participation that the current political dispensation offers to Nepalis.