Towards stability

The information that two leading political parties – Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist Leninist – have agreed to work together and run a national government of consensus should please most in Nepal. It is highly encouraging for those who have been fed up with instability in government. Since the NC and CPN UML have admirable history of joint political movement and work, they could manage the new alliance on a stable ground. Both along with others played a very important role in ensuring multi-party parliamentary democracy and federalism in the country. If they could continue that political spirit they would be able to offer Nepalis a stable government until next general election. The same is in line with the command that the verdict of last general election gave for NC and CPN UML. Leaders of the parties took more than a year and a half and some political experiments to understand it. As the new alliance goes forward, forms government, gets confidence of the parliament, it should focus on governance and prompt delivery of public service. It should remember that the new alliance has to make a difference in the saga of governance in Nepal. Over a dozen governments entered the Singha Durbar and went out of it in the past decade and a half. None could offer the stability, service and direction as per the expectation of the people. Senior-most leaders Deuba and Oli are aware of this and would this time rise high above partisan politics, self-interest and be more conscious nationally in serving the people in such a manner that the public trust in politics, leaders and politicians would be restored positively. Their contribution to Nepali politics is notable; and they possess the capacity of making the next government really working for general people in real time. For this both leaders should mutually develop political will in this regard. May the new-found alliance between the two parties facilitate the process! A number of urgent problems – exodus of youths for jobs in foreign countries, unemployment, low agriculture production, deteriorating services in education, public health, transportation and high cost of living – demand attention. The 16th plan – 2081-86 B.S.-also expects fine-tuning and further enrichment for enabling it to cope with problems that would trouble the country in the next five years.