Nepali Times
Editorial
Certain Uncertainty



When the social discourse is so politicised, it is tempting for the media to be obsessed with the operational strategy of day-to-day politics. Which party wins and which party loses from the dissolution of the CA? Who gained the upper hand from the truncated budget? Which faction of which party holds the trump card against rivals? And so on.

In fact, no one wins and everyone loses from this prolonged political deadlock, where the only certainty is the uncertainty of it all. The aimlessness of the political parties has already collectively cost them what little support they had. There is widespread disillusionment among ordinary citizens with their mad scramble for power, and even more among the district cadre of the parties themselves.

We have often argued in this space that the only way a caretaker establishment can move forward is to forge a government of national unity. Not that a consensus is inherently desirable in a democracy or will resolve all outstanding issues, but at least it will level the playing field ahead of elections. Elsewhere in the world there is an incumbent disadvantage at elections, but here a sitting government can skew the electoral balance in its favour by arm-twisting the organs of state for advantage.

The reason things are completely stuck now is that we have a deadlock within a stalemate. The deadlock in the constitution led to the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, and now there is a stalemate on government formation between those who want the prime minister to step down before a unity government, and Baburam Bhattarai's insistence that the opposition presents a viable alternative before he steps down. It is clear neither side is in a desperate hurry to end the deadlock: Bhattarai is perfectly happy where he is, and the NC knows an acrimonious dispute will erupt within its senior ranks between aspirants for the premier's post.

This prolonged uncertainty has encouraged crime and corruption, and made impunity and lack of accountability the norm. Ad hoc populism passes off for governance. Farmers don't have fertiliser, even in the monsoon there is six hours of power rationing, half the city has been demolished in a heavy-handed road-widening spree, and all Baluwatar is interested in is passing by ordinance allowances and facilities-for-life for government alumni.

In this climate of impunity, hoodlums set fire to school buses, vandalise colleges in broad daylight. A "revolutionary" wing of a "student" body takes responsibility, threatens to do it again, and they do. But no effort is made to catch the known ring leaders. This is not really about the English names of colleges or expensive school fees, it never was. It has always been about making an example of those who refuse to give in to extortion demands.

No profession is untouched. Journalists are harassed and beaten. Doctors are manhandled, and hospitals vandalised. High profile political assassinations go unsolved. More than 60 people are killed in highway crashes during a single week, and no one could really be bothered.

The lawlessness will grow worse every day that the country drifts along in this purposeless vacuum. It is time to take certain steps to end the uncertainty, and they are (in order of business):

Urgently agree on a national government
Announce a date for local and general elections by spring 2013
Crack down hard and fast on impunity
Restore investor confidence

Read also:
Responsibility to protect

The uncritical mass, RUBEENA MAHATO
In a country where politicians get away with murder, one can't really blame their student protégés for setting fire to school buses

Anger management, ANURAG ACHARYA
Attacks on private schools are a manifestation of the class divide in education



1. here n there
We are dead mate.

2. Binita Pandey
Here is THE  list of the hated enemies and traitors of Nepal and Nepalis. The first among all is, Sher Bahadur Deuba, followed by the following. Pushpa K Dahal, Baburam Bhattarai, Krishna Sitaula, Madhav Nepal, Jhala N Khanal, Bam D Gautam, K P Oli, and on and on and on, the list goes on. This group has looted Nepal with impunity for 2 decades and has amasssed personal wealth beyond a wild imagination. These beggars to riches should be tarred and feathered and paraded in public. The lives and future of 28 million Nepalis is at stake. Its a big shame for Nepalis to have leaders of such immoral traits, that will, at the drop of hat sell the souls of Nepal and Nepalis.  This is the convesation that should driving Nepali politics and Nepali lives. When leaders with a cold blooded intent dismantle the democratic values and institutions, we can no longer just be mere spectators. Enough is enough, its time for a drastic change in Nepal.      

3. Sheila Pradhan
When people lead, then leaders will follow, case in point,  Dahal is moving out of Lazimpat. Yay ! Nepali Netas of all political parties should be meted out this same treatmnet. If we can uprise and throw out the corrupted leaders of NC and UML, more people will be clapping. The law of Karma definitely works, just ask Pranchanda.  People throughout the world have revolted against corrupted leaders and thrown them out. Now its time for Nepalis to follow that lead and bring justice to Nepal.

4. Sushil J Thapa
I think the Nepali Netas think and believe that they are Gods, and they are living in a dream world. That dream is about to turn into a nightnare. If the Netas colluded and threw out the King, that table can be turned. Everyone in Nepal knows how corrupted the Netas are and how they have stolen the people's money. This impuntiy has a price, you can bet your life on that. The time for payback is coming. I wonder where these Godly Netas will run to or hide. Nepali Netas should be scared and pissing in their pants, for they can easily end of like Gaddafi or Saddam or Mubarak.   

5. Suresh
The orgy of loot and impunity must end. Nepali leaders have been in a drunken stupor for way too long. They are in for a rude awakening. The sooner this bubble is burst the better off  Nepalis will be. Pushpa Dahal aka the Fearsome One has now become the Cowardly One. He wants to return the money he stole from the Maoist faithfuls as well as the Treasury of Nepal. That is enough proof to send him to jail. I must admit that I get sick to see the pictures of these cowards and traitors splashed across Nepali Press each day. We all know how much has been looted and who are the looters, but no honest man comes forward to challenge this. That is the mystery of Nepali society. Only bark but no bites.     

6. 7
Just like you sacrifice a pawn in order to take out the Queen, Prachanda bro gave away gaadi aur makaan for the bigger piece of the pie. The general public is oblivious to the fact that this is just the calm before the storm. The decade long insurgency was his brain child (well, at least everyone thinks it is). And all he did was TALK people into it. If you think the so called 'when people lead, leaders follow' fame is becoming a reality, then you my friends will be standing slackjawed when the curtains are pulled down.   

7. Bir Bahadur Rai
Wagle and Joshi from the NC, common criminals, at least justice is served in some way, people should rejoice. What are we going to do with the criminals in the UML and leaders from Terai. When will be Pushpa Dahal be arrested and sent to prison. What about Madhav Nepal ???  The honest Nepali men, men with integrity and character have a duty to fulfill this demand.  The lost glory and pride of Nepalis needs to restored immediately. Its a known fact that evil will always lose in the end. Its time for a big purge. Let the games begin.    

8. Dilip Sharma
Kabuki Nepali Politics, that is all. The criminals in leadership positions always playing with smoke and mirrors. I have not seen or read any game changing position from a Civil Society member or the media community. If any one can bring a significant change, it will  be these two entities. Stop the bleeding and suffering of the people. We just want a decent job and decent education without any  violence or strikes. As far as politics and politicians, SCREW that,  who gives a crap. 


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


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