Promises not kept

As concerns the news report “Top guns ink pack for fair, peaceful polls” (THT, April 2), events on the ground give a lie to the commitment of the top political leadership to hold free and fair polls. This is not the first time constituents of the seven party alliance have agreed to end inter-party hostilities. But such pacts have so far been meaningless as incidents of violence have not stopped. The present agreement only seeks to shore up public support

during the polls.

Isn’t it amazing that even while Prachanda, MK Nepal and GP Koirala were signing their joint commitment, their cadres were going hammer and tongs at one another in various parts of the country? The huge gulf between promises and deeds of the political leaders is what led the country to the brink of anarchy in the first place. The old politicians have not learned their lessons, and too few young, competent candidates are contesting the election. If the old politicians do not make way for the younger generation, not much change can be expected for the better.

Krishna Yadav, via e-mail

What is it?

Nepal has been caught up in poll fever. But those living in remote areas are still unaware about the nitty-gritty of the election, though they might know how to cast their ballots. The political parties are busy campaigning in the same mode they did during previous elections. In my district of Dolpa, some political parties are said to be threatening the locals that they would be barred from collecting Yarchagumba if the locals do not cast their vote for those parties. Unless people are aware of the true value of their votes and political parties adhere to the election code of conduct, the CA polls will not serve its purpose fully.

Suraj Upadhaya, Dunai, Dolpa

Carter visit

This is in response to the news report “Jimmy Carter arriving on April 7” (THT, April 2). Carter’s arrival will provoke a wide range of opinions from people from every walk of life. But I am confident that he will be able to fulfil his monitoring duties without showing bias for anyone in particular.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne, Australia

In danger

The CA polls are endangered by skirmishes between the cadres of major political

parties which are concerned only about maximising their chances in the election rather than bringing real change in the country. If the political bigwigs don’t mend their ways soon, they might have to regret their short-sightedness in the long run.

Vivek Dhakal, via e-mail

Ridiculous

The Election Commission has declared some poll candidates ineligible with just a week to go for CA polls. It seems the majority of political parties are not fully aware about electoral laws. The provisions for registration of new parties are nothing short of ridiculous. Each party needs to submit 10,000 signatures but it does not need to have any concrete policy.

Moreover, all political parties should have competent economic and legal advisors. It will be safe to say that no politial party has the blueprint for the economic revolution and peace so

desired by the people.

V P Sayami, Kathmandu