The “Democracy Day” celebration on the occasion of the first anniversary of Jana Andolan II was unique in many ways. The masses that attended processions and rallies across the country were jubilant, but equally militant in their insistence on the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections. In this context, the Eight-Party Alliance (EPA) was heavily criticised for postponing the elections scheduled for June 6 and demands were made for an immediate announcement of a new date. Doubts were raised on the performance of EPA government and leadership of the constituent parties. This was unique in the sense that people warned political leaders not to take them for granted.

The question arises as to why the government declared a date for CA polls without consulting the Election Commission (EC) and without giving any attention to nationwide problems, particularly the armed uprising in the Tarai? This also highlighted the government’s insensitivity towards the demands of the Tarai people. The Tarai agitation started with twin demands — federalism and proportional representation in CA polls. The government was positive on the first issue and necessary amendments in the constitution were promptly made. But regarding the second issue, the government failed to declare its readiness to discuss the relative merits of both proportional representation and mixed electoral system (both mentioned in the interim constitution) and go for any system on a consensus basis. On the other hand, the ministers were openly in favour of the mixed system, declining even to discuss the demands of Tarai leaders. They were taking the demands of indigenous groups and Janajatis lightly: To say that outstanding issues could be solved through negotiations but not naming the issues is dishonest.

In consultation with the EC, the government may declare a new date for CA polls. The EC might then advise the government on technicalities like acts, rules, regulations and manpower, but it surely cannot offer any advice on how to contain the widespread dissent. This is a political issue. For the correct assessment of the strength of agitation, one might look at the law and order situation in the country. But the depth of people’s feelings on certain issues

can only be assessed through dialogue. The voice of the agitating groups should be represented in forums where all the concerned parties are gathered and willing to listen and reconcile.

The Maoist leaders had been demanding a political conference from the beginning of the “people’s war”, but once their chances of entering the parliament and inclusion in the government increased, they dumped the issue. The demand for a political conference has again emerged from the Janajatis and Madhesis. The political parties and their leaders, both inside and outside the government, must be sensitive to the demand of a political conference where the Janajatis and Madhesis can vent their feelings and work towards a negotiated settlement. The announcement of a new date without these preparations would only complicate matters.

The political parties must be given credit for success of the April revolution. However, they must also recognise the fact that mass participation during the movement did not only result from people’s political affiliations. The mass movement also resulted from people’s wish for a new Nepal that ensured equitable distribution of freedom and democratic rights. This aspiration led to the emergence of new leaders and even new political parties. EPA has to acknowledge this fact. They cannot fool themselves thinking that the new forums and parties have been formed only by a handful of their former followers.

In a democracy, emergence of new parties and decadence of even a powerful party is quite natural. In Nepal the parties who call themselves Marxist, Leninist, etc. are numerous and the party which had for long adhered to democratic socialism and dominated the parliament has been split into two. The political parties in the government must honour dissent as a natural process and try to harmonise relations with the new parties and leaders.

The huge public participation in Democracy Day celebrations is a sign of their unequivocal support for CA polls. Among

their demands were: a new poll date and free and fair CA polls. In order to achieve this, agitations of different groups and forums must come to a stop, for which, there is no option but for the government to address their grievances.

It is likely that another date will be announced soon. To guarantee that the new schedule is not put off, there is a need for national consensus on several issues — the issue of electoral process, in particular. This can be achieved only through discussions in a widely attended forum — a political conference with the participation of the newly emerged leadership among Madhesis and Janajatis.

Upadhyay is a former foreign minister