Electoral reforms

Since the constituent assembly polls have already been announced, is it not necessary to dissolve the King-appointed, unelected parliament for legal as well as moral reasons? How can sound electoral democracy, which can also guarantee people’s sovereignty, be

realised as long as such vestiges of feudal past remain? Let us not further burden the long-suffering taxpayers — already shouldering the huge pay and perks of ‘suspended’ parliamentarians — by subsidising the MPs’ canvassing for votes for the CA polls. Let the state’s treasury not be seen to subsidise the current MPs at the cost of others in the electoral fray.

Instead, why not provide around Rs. 20 per vote garnered during CA elections in order to lessen ‘muscle power’ and ‘money power’ that are characteristic of electoral democracy in Nepal and South Asia? In addition, those elected to frame a new constitution should have minimum qualification, say university graduation. This way, youths (who comprise 60 per cent of the population) will find the political space to play their role of responsible citizens.

Madhukar SJB Rana,

via e-mail

Unfair

This refers to the news report “The K-kick: King’s palaces to be taken over” (THT, August 24)”. Now that the King has been rendered powerless, it is ridiculous that he still remains the whipping boy of politicians. We have seen how many politicians of yesterday amassed property, misappropriating tax payers’ hard-earned money for years. How fair is it for

lawmakers to take every possible action against the King, while many corrupt politicians are still walking free?

Yam Gurung, Watford, UK

Dual nature

Apropos of the news report “Dr Bhattarai calls it an eyewash” (THT, August 24), the government has taken a far-reaching step by deciding to nationalise the Royal palaces. But the Maoists still don’t seem to be satisfied. Nationalising royal property was one of the

major demands of the Maoists and now that it has been met, it is unfair on their part to express discontent and expect the government to do more. This suggests that the Maoists have no intention of going for the CA polls. The government has shown flexibility by acceding to the demands of the Maoists. Now it’s time for the government to take a strong stand, if necessary, before acceding to the future demands of the Maoists.

Abijit Sharma, Dhapasi, Kathmandu

Elusive peace

The main concern of every Nepali at the moment is peace that has eluded them for so long. The magnitude of destruction and loss of lives during the decade-long Maoist insurgency cannot be easily calculated. The Nepalis believe that the signing of the peace

agreement was an important step towards establishing peace and building a new Nepal. However, regressive elements are still against the people exercising their

sovereignty. This has not only endangered people’s inalienable right to pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, but also further pushed the nation into uncertainty. Everyone is waiting for the crucial CA polls. Therefore, all political parties and Nepali citizens should come together and work for the success of the CA polls.

Satish Sen, Balaju,

Kathmandu