The seven-party alliance that recently came into being with the ostensible object of defeating dictatorship and Maoist fascism has said that “inclusive democracy” and “restructuring of the state” could help lead to lasting solution to the present constitutional crisis, the ongoing insurgency and steer the country towards prosperity. Citing the weaknesses of the 1990 Constitution, which according to them, did not satisfy the country’s divergent society and could not provide space for the radical views, the alliance partners have concluded that a referendum is the best option to settle all the national issues. While the concept of inclusive democracy is imperative for a heterogeneous and a multilingual society like Nepal, the practicality of holding a referendum in a country with one of the most difficult terrains in the world and a poor resource base has to be weighed properly. Also, referendum has to be carried out only for genuine reasons after serious planning and should be resorted to only as the ultimate political tool.

Although any idea that is good for the country’s future is welcome, it is not only in the theoretical realm that solutions to political impasse are to be found. As much depends on effective implementation of those ideas. For instance, the 1990 Constitution when promulgated was regarded as one of the best in the world by some of the very leaders who are now calling for restructuring of the fundamental features of the state structure. If past experience is any guide, no idea, however good it may be, will not mature unless its implementers and the decision-makers are sincere about it.

There can be no disagreement that the main priority of the country at present is peace and

stability, and the people would accept any sort of accommodation or changes to achieve this end. A well-thought out plan of action, strong partnership and dedication to the nation’s cause and the people is what the alliance should strive for. If the leaders feel that the way to peace is through restructuring and redesigning the state-machinery, they better keep the interest of the country and the people uppermost in their minds. All changes should lead to strengthening of the concept of people’s sovereignty and the government of, for and by the governed.