Proposal - Nepali Times

From The Nepali Press
Proposal
Narahari Acharya in Kantipur, 26 July

FROM ISSUE #513 (30 JULY 2010 - 05 AUG 2010) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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KIRAN PANDAY
The second prime ministerial election was not decisive, and the third round on 2 August is also unlikely to bring about fundamental change. The parties need to come up with measures for crisis resolution. Two solutions are possible:

1. Government under Congress leadership
1.1 Three ministers from the NC including the prime minister,
1.2 Five ministers from the UCPN (Maoist) including a foreign affairs minister,
1.3 Three ministers from the UML including a defence minister,
1.4 Three ministers from the Madhesi alliance including a home minister,
1.5 For the remaining positions, the prime minister would choose one minister each from the CA members of the fringe parties.

2. Government under Maoist leadership
2.1 Four ministers from the UCPN (Maoist) including the prime minister,
2.2 Three ministers from the NC including a defence minister,
2.3 Three ministers from the UML including a home minister,
2.4 Three ministers from the Madhesi alliance including a foreign affairs minister,
2.5 For the remaining positions, the prime minister would choose one minister each from the CA members of the fringe parties.

There should be no more than15 cabinet ministers, and state and deputy ministers should not be appointed. If a government is formed under the leadership of the Maoists, they should use the working plan for combatant management and integration proposed by the NC and the UML. If the government is formed under NC leadership, the working plan should be based on the Maoist proposal. The UML should also realise that it has no political grounds to lead government at present even if this is legally possible.

Since the NC has had a policy of prioritising the peace process rather than government formation right since the CA elections were held, the NC can accept either of these proposals.

1. Arthur
Ok, this is interesting. So there are still some Congress leaders who actually do want a national unity government that could carry out the peace agreement - even if they do wish to bargain for a greater share for Congress and a smaller share for Maoists than is reasonable.

Reminds one of earlier times when it was also Narahari Acharya who showed some recognition of what the situation required.

Posted on: 30 JULY 2010 | 4:11 PM NST

2. Nirmal
Arthur take a calculator and do some numerical calculations, from the maoists strength in CA to the portfolios they might get in each options prepared by Narhari Acharya, quantitatively and qualitatively. I don't know whether you overestimate or divinise the rickets of the Maoists but you ask too much for your brethens- the Maoists-.
This is what the share of pie they should get If they renounce the violence officially. Well, it could be a gesture to initiate any negotiation with the NC, Icebreaking gesture like formal renouncement of the violence is first and foremost condition that the Maoists need to fulfill for any of future deal. Realpolitik has already begun.

Posted on: 30 JULY 2010 | 8:18 PM NST

3. Arthur
Nirmal #2, the Maoists have about 40% of the CA and are offered 4 or 5 ministers with about 30 non-Maoists ministers (note 1.5 and 2.5 adding 20 or so "fringe" Ministers).

It is a sign that some Kangresis know they cannot exclude the largest party from leading the government. But not yet a serious proposal.

If the Maoists wanted a "share of the pie" they would not have fought a People's War. Even if they are offered a 60% share of the loot, they will still insist on democratizing the Nepal Army and ending the system of looting instead.

You don't need a calculator to understand that.

Posted on: 06 AUG 2010 | 7:21 AM NST