Nepali Times
From The Nepali Press
Undemocratic



The eight parties are exhibiting a dangerous trend, neglecting the society that lies outside their alliance. They have been vehemently dismissing suggestions made to them by aware citizens, professional groups, the judiciary, and ordinary people who have been cautiously watching the decisions the alliance has made. The manner in which the eight parties have been making binding decisions, without paying heed to other peoples' proposals is a sign that the democratic political process is shaping up in a dictatorial manner.

There aren't only eight parties in this country. The alliance can't afford to reject other parties in the democratic process merely on the grounds that they didn't participate in the People's Movement. The essence of democracy is not only to accept full support, but also to expect opposition. Yet, the parties have made no effort to hear the concerns of indigenous groups, madhesi or dalit communities. At a time when the interim constitution is said to take a strong position on the rights of these very groups, it is nothing but arrogance on the part of the alliance not to respect their suggestions and comments.

The parties have been also disregarding the judiciary. They totally ignored the recommendations that the Nepal Bar Association made at national assembly. Even worse, they protested the recommendations by the Supreme Court justices, whose sole aim in suggesting some amendments was to help shape a well-written constitution. The parties have basically signalled that they do not accept the importance in a democratic society of an independent judiciary. They are all set to establish a democratic Nepal, and yet they act no different than the royal regime.

Prime Minister Girija Koirala even refused to receive the recommendations that the justices prepared after intensive discussions. Surely it is inappropriate for the prime minister to not even give them time of day. Will the judiciary enjoy the independence it should in the future?



LATEST ISSUE
638
(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013)


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