Political wisdom

Nepali politicos have to show and practice political wisdom at this particular time when the country is in political crisis and heading towards general election for seeking people’s mandate. Any disruption in the process could lead to more chaotic times and difficulty in having a federal government as per the constitution. Since the country cannot move forward for long with Interim Government, some legitimate way should be pursued as soon as possible for having government elected by people. Prime Minister Sushila Karki appears determined to complete her task of completing the House of Representative election on the given date. For this she has already begun consultation with varied sections of population including political party leaders, Gen Z activists, professionals, chief ministers, Election Commission, industry business community, civil society activists and relevant influencers, security institutions and others. None has opposed the polls and none has questioned the capacity of Election Commission to hold administer voting process in short notice. All have given green light for the polls with one special request: sound security arrangement for voters. Yet in a section of traditional political parties, there is a narrative and also a move to spread political rumour that the election will not be held as pledged. Efforts are also being made in court to reanimate the dissolved House. Former Prime Minister K.P. Oli, forwarding a six-point proposition to re-instate parliament, has promised not to seek PM–post for remaining period of parliament – two years and a half. His suggestion that the constitution should be amended immediately to allow non-parliament-member to head Election Government is quite interesting and opens way for political compromise. Similarly his call for constituting an all-party government including Gen Z representatives and organizing general election within three months under the auspices of that government seeks to answer questions of those who doubt about the polls to be conducted under the Interim government. Chief whips of major parties Nepali Congress and CPN UML in the dissolved House have indicated that they would go to court seeking re-animation of parliament together or separately. While they are free to do so and while it is their right to move this way, they have to convince people about reasons why they do not want to go to poll under the Interim Government and why they do not want to make the present dispensation an all- party team and hold polls on scheduled time. Time for all to use political wisdom!