Obstacles ahead

The government has miserably failed to maintain the law and order situation. The home minister should take responsibility for this, and the Prime Minister should ask him to resign. If the current level of anarchy persists, one cannot imagine how free and fair elections for CA could be held.

Regarding the government’s talks with various Madhesi groups or for that matter any other

dissenting faction, I feel the matter should be handled by constitutional experts. For this, a constitution advisory committee should be formed, which should, in turn, be charged with the

responsibility of holding dialogue with the discontent groups in order to arrive at a workable draft of a truly Loktantrik constitution.

At this time, the most urgent function of the government is to clear the big obstacles standing in the way of free and fair CA polls. Not the least of them is deciding on the right kind of ballot papers. Nepalis, who are used to voting in first-past-the-post system, are liable to get confused by the new format of the ballot papers for mixed electoral system. Has the government thought about introducing electronic voting machines?

Ishwari Pradhan, via e-mail

Selfish

This concerns the “Insight” news analysis, “Are the parties prepared?” (THT, July 30). As the write-up hints, the political parties seem more concerned about holding onto power by any means rather than holding free and fair CA polls at the scheduled time. No party, it seems, wants to go to the elections without the assurance that it will get enough seats to satisfy the party rank and file. Sadly, in this dirty power game, they do not appear concerned about the good of the country.

Jenith Subba, via e-mail

Illegitimate

This is in reference to the news report “30 hurt as Maoists clash with cops” (THT, July 30). It is distressing that even after joining the eight party government, the Maoists have not changed their course and are continuing with their highhanded behaviour. Mistreating the district administrator, vandalising administration offices and taking law into their own hands are acts that violate the code of conduct and speak volumes for their lack of democratic

credentials. In this light, they will have to work more to be recognised as a legitimate political force by all countries in the world.

Manit Deokota, Ratopul

Include them

While the political parties have been talking of equitable representation in the government, it hardly seems practical in the absence of voting provision for the Nepali migrant workers. The upcoming constituent assembly elections cannot represent the true voice of the people without the participation of migrant workers. The government should therefore make necessary arrangements for migrants to vote in the CA polls.

Saroj Bhurtel, via e-mail

Far behind

The media in other countries are active in exposing criminals, corrupt officials and anti-social agents. But the Nepali media are far behind on this front. It’s time for the Nepali media to realise its broader responsibility to make the country free from corruption and crime.

Ramesh Shrestha,

via e-mail