The Maoist leadership is hell-bent on premature dissolution of parliament. Senior Maoist leaders have repeatedly said that since the House of Representatives does not reflect the aspirations of the majority of those who played a key role in reviving democracy in the country, the House had better be dissolved at once. The CPN-Maoist spokesperson and coordinator of the peace talks, Krishna B Mahara, has threatened that the government-Maoist talks may be “stalled if the parliament is not dissolved soon.” Some leaders of the seven-party alliance (SPA), including the prime minister, on the other hand, have clearly stated that immediate dissolution of the House, armed as it is with popular mandate, is out of question since it would create a political vacuum. Such a scenario is perceived to be highly dangerous, as counter-revolutionary forces could take full advantage of the obtaining situation. Given such disagreements, one thing is clear: if the differences of opinion between the two actors are not sorted out soon, the talks will run into rough weather.

No doubt, reinstatement of parliament was never a part of Maoist peace agenda. Even in the 12-point SPA-Maoist understanding, it is stated, “the CPN-Maoist believes that people’s sovereignty can be established through formation of an interim government put in place after a national conference of agitating democratic forces, which will oversee the election to the constituent assembly (CA).” On the contrary, the SPA roadmap included reinstatement of parliament, formation of an all-party government, talks with the Maoists and election to CA, in that order. This has been the only point of divergence between the SPA and the Maoists since the accord saw the light of day on November 22, 2005. Theoretically speaking, the Maoist position is correct since the House is devoid of a full-term character. However, for the resolution of the crisis and ultimately holding the CA polls, it may be conceded that the House should continue to have all legislative authorities for now. The parliament is also required at present to amend, formulate and implement laws in accordance with the letter and spirit of the May 18 proclamation.

For this, though, the government and the Maoists must agree to an interim statute to govern during the transition phase. An interim constitution is arguably the only instrument through which the parliamentary decisions can be institutionalised. It can also lead to formation of an interim government (Maoists included) that can oversee the CA polls. The Maoists, on their part, would do themselves a mountain of good if they followed a practical line and be accommodating at a time when so much is at stake. Since their main demand of CA has already been conceded, there is no reason why they should try to dictate terms as if they were an adamant and unreasonable bunch of people. Obstructionism can spell disasters at times like this. They should have no doubts in their mind that if things don’t move in proper direction (towards CA polls), they too will lose as much as others in the process.