Before leaving for China, Chairman of UCPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal admitted that it would be difficult to hold free elections without the support of China and India. A leader of his stature bowing to the influence of foreign players shows his faltering confidence in the current political process.
Dahal’s statement reflects the parasitic mentality of our ruling class who is accustomed to taking orders from outside. Saying that the keys to election and the country’s stability lie with our neighbouring countries also raises questions over Nepal’s sovereignty.
Does this mean that the upcoming CA election should be held according to the wishes and needs of outsiders instead of Nepalis? Dahal will probably seek financial assistance from the Chinese for elections. If that is the case then maybe we should let the Indians decide the election constituency of the Nepali leaders.
The leaders have to understand that Nepali people are desperate to see the new constitution written through a second round of CA elections. If the parties are truly determined to hold elections they don’t need approval or assistance from other countries. Yes, we have to maintain strategic diplomatic ties with our neighbours given our geopolitical compulsions, but that doesn’t mean they get to have a final say in all our internal matters.
Seeking support and goodwill for polls is acceptable, but it becomes greatly worrying when a national leader on an official trip says that the aim of his visit is to seek stability. Isn’t it the parties’ responsibility to ensure stability in the country? It’s time we stopped being carrom men and took the reins of the country in our hands.