The most critically awaited moment in contemporary Nepali politics finally materialised when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed by the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on November 21, 2006, spelling the end of the decade-long armed struggle and ushering in an era of reconciliation and tranquility.

It was indeed a moment of great joy, relief and hope that the country would enter a new phase of transformation in an atmosphere of peace and understanding for the nation’s overall development and unity. Top leaders of different parties, bureaucrats, civil society members, representatives of diplomatic corps and prominent citizens watched with ecstasy the Prime Minister and the Maoist chairman sign the CPA.

The leaders, while addressing the gathering, stressed that the nation was entering a new phase with a peaceful and secure environment for a prosperous new Nepal to emerge, where different ethnic groups, disadvantaged communities and women would be able to engage in socio-economic activities and benefit from them. Commitments were expressed to bury old rivalries, and a new spirit of understanding, reconciliation, tolerance and respect for each others’ democratic ideals was rigorously emphasised. Pledges were made to work cooperatively and sincerely for poverty alleviation, human development and uplift of living standards. Dedication to the spirit of the CPA and the willingness to learn from past mistakes were clearly evident in the leaders’ faces.

The Nepalis at large pray for faithful implementation of the agreement as well as continued adherence and commitment to the historic accord signed on November 8, 2006, that paved the way for all understandings and agreements that followed. Henceforth, Nepalis will be eagerly waiting as to how the leaders and their parties will enlighten and sensitise the people in strengthening their rightful places in society and how they would strive to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them by their constituencies. It is equally essential that the enlightened sections, especially civil society organisations and local community groups, function as watchdogs, monitor and evaluate the politicians’ and parties’ performance.

It is imperative that the nation’s custodians who hold the mantle of nation-building and strengthening national consolidation should follow a progressive and democratic path as democracy and development have positive and synergistic relations. It is obvious that imposed ideas, rigid and dogmatic philosophies and dictatorial instincts won’t sway anybody’s thinking.

In the next few weeks, promulgation of interim constitution, formation of interim parliament and interim government, including the Maoists, will have to materialise. Then, the government needs to move apace to arrange for free and fair Constituent Assembly (CA) polls. Meanwhile, appropriate supervision of arms and confinement of Maoist fighters to designated camps, return and rehabilitation of displaced persons to their villages as well as return of public and private property to respective owners and issuance of citizenship certificates and updating of the voters’ list are the priorities. For this, faithful cooperation from all parties, community organisations, civil society groups and national and international development partners will be crucial. How such cooperation would be generated, mobilised and utilised would depend on the collective understanding and efficiency of the interim government. Nepalis sincerely hope that bickering of leaders and inter-play of parties’ vested interests won’t imperil national priorities. Dedication to the true spirit of provisions of the agreements and strict implementation of interim constitution will be the guiding principles of winning people’s trust. It’s essential that the government tries to win the full confidence of the people so that sovereignty bestowed on the people is not weakened and the rights and privileges of Nepalis to make the best choice for themselves are not lost again. The most important responsibility of the government is to ensure that the rule of law prevails, life and property are secure, essential public services are accessible and affordable to the maximum number of citizens and Nepalis are free to choose the leaders to govern them. It is equally essential for the political parties to demonstrate that they are sincere in their promises and are capable of providing good governance and responsible leadership. The forthcoming government has a big responsibility to shoulder. Nepalis hope that the parties and leaders have learnt their lessons and will sincerely work to create a new environment where people are equal and free to decide on their own. The government and the political parties

need to work faithfully not only at negotiating political issues but more concertedly in national capacity building for the empowerment of people.

Dr Dhungana is an economist