A united NC is in the interest of the country, particularly because it is still in a delicate transition period as the new Constitution has yet to be fully implemented

Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected president of the Nepali Congress in the run-off election of the party in its 13th National General Convention on Tuesday, thus breaking the long hold of the Koirala family on the party’s leadership. Deuba, who is now 70, will hold this coveted post of party president of the single largest political party in Nepal for the next four years. Incidentally, Deuba was elected president in his third attempt. He lost to Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala in the 11th and 12th NGCs. The run-off polls were held after Deuba missed securing a majority by just 11 votes, even though he got significantly more votes than his nearest rival Ramchandra Paudel. However, in the run-off elections Deuba secured a resounding majority, his margin of victory being 526 votes. He received 1,822 votes while Poudel managed to poll 1,296 votes. In the run-off polls 3,140 voters had cast their votes.

Deuba has a reputation of being very flexible which should be considered as an asset for him. Largely because of this he has been able to hold the post of prime minister for three times after the country had got multiparty system back in place. However, he faced the charges of handing democracy over to the Palace and of splitting the NC by forming Nepali Congress-Democratic in 2002. He has also often been blamed for introducing very unhealthy practices into the parliamentary politics of making and breaking government. However, the NC became a party to reckon with after the two Congresses reunited again in 2007. His big win means that the Congress rank and file have forgiven him for all that. Congress being a president-centric party and with his huge majority, Deuba has an opportunity to lead the party successfully in the days ahead.

But the new NC president faces many challenges as well. As head of the largest political party, he has to take lead role in negotiating with Madhesi parties unhappy about the number and boundaries of the provinces. This is no small task. Furthermore, he should try to use his position and influence to help strengthen Nepal’s relations with its neighbours, in particular Nepal-India relations, which have soured in recent times. To establish himself as a statesman he faces many hurdles. The devastating earthquakes of last year have caused enormous damage in many parts of the country. Rehabilitation and reconstruction works are being delayed although Nepal has been provided ample grants and loans by development partners. To add to the woes of Nepali people, the so-called trade blockade has struck a particularly heavy blow. Deuba has stressed unity and justice in the party as his main electoral plank. Indeed, a united NC is in the interest of the country, particularly, because it is still in a delicate transition period as the new Constitution has to be fully implemented yet and first General Election under the new Constitution has to be held. The free electoral contests within the party have helped promote inner party democracy in the Congress. One of Deuba’s major successes would be how he plays his role in implementing the Constitution.

Water woes

The quake victims are suffering from multiple hardships in areas where they are taking shelters without support from the government agencies. They are deprived of drinking water, basic health facilities, proper shelters and schools for their children. These are the basic amenities people are supposed to get even in dire situation. Chances of survival and means of livelihood are impossible in the absence of these basic facilities. An elected government cannot remain a mute spectator in such a situation.

A report from Dhading states that over 1000 families who were displaced or reduced to live a destitute life in the quake-affected areas are struggling to collect drinking water from the nearby water sources that have dried up due to the temblor and landslides. The government should have given a top priority in arranging drinking water, health and educational facilities to the victims before any other reconstruction works are initiated. It is also reported that some traditional water sources have depleted or dried up causing much difficulty to the local community. The National Reconstruction Authority must arrange budget to provide drinking water facilities in the affected areas without any delay.