Democracy, Election And Politics Of Boycott
By Narayan Prasad Mishra
OBSTRUCTED PARLIAMENT AND GHOST OF REINSTATEMENT
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2047 has established constitutional monarchy, multi-party system with
parliamentary democracy in the country. But the parliament was dissolved twice because of the feud among the political
parties, personal rivalry, conflict, accusations and counter-accusations among the leaders of the parties. The country
could not see election due to differences between the parties and the Maoist problem that led to unrest and conflict in
the country. With this the parliament could not came into existence after the existing parliament was dissolved four
years ago. The result was that the multi-party system and the parliamentary system were disrupted. Of the three bases of
the constitution only the constitutional monarchy remained active and functional. This is the reality that came into
being because of the chain of events and the situation.
The question now is how to reactivate the stalled process of multi-party democracy and parliamentary system as soon as
possible without exhuming the dead parliament. All must honestly agree that it is useless to discuss whether or not the
defunct parliament should be revived.
REACTIVATION OF CONSTITUTION AND E LECTION
In this context, election is prerequisite for putting the derailed democratic process back on track. It is because
election is the basis of democracy and the political parties can activate themselves. And also, it is only through
election that parliament comes into existence and democratic government can be formed. Then after all the Articles of
the constitution will automatically be functional and the constitution become active.
UNDEMOCRATIC DEMAND AND ELECTION BOYCOTT
When one analyses on the basis of the above mentioned truth and realities, one can conclude that when the political
parties should have demanded for general election as soon as possible, their decision of boycotting the announced poll
does not seem wise and has no basis on democratic principle. Them seeking restoration of the dissolved parliament
without election has no constitutional and democratic rationale. Therefore, it will be far wiser if they want democratic
demand to be fulfilled through wisdom and logic instead of resorting to unconstitutional and undemocratic means based on
threat, agitation and protests. Only this will help develop a civilized society and correct political practice.
MULTIPARTY SYSTEM AND IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES
No matter how much and for whatsoever reasons the multiparty system and parliamentary have been obstructed the
importance of political parties in multiparty system cannot be understated. The political parties are the sole players
in election and it is the political parties, which win or lose elections. And the political parties form the election
and it should be so.
GENERAL ELECTION AND POLICY OF CONSENSUS
The undemocratic strategy of boycotting elections and choosing the path of conflict and confrontation instead of
conciliation by the major political parties cannot be justified in any way. It is still more incorrect to add to the
woes of the country, which is already reeling by the Maoists' violence and unrest. Therefore, it will be quite logical
and relevant to raise voices on the opinions, suggestions and demand on what could be done to make the election and
general election, which are urgently needed to activate the constitution, free, fair and impartial and all encompassing
or what kind of government – all-party, interim or electoral government -- are needed, and what could be done to make
the Maoists also take part in the election. Politics of boycott will drag the country deeper into abyss and further
conflict and confrontation will only cause more trouble to the people. Therefore, the only rationale and wise way is to
forge understanding and settlement in running the country under democratic and constitutional practices instead of
looking for pretexts for quarrel. This is the demand of the time and all should keep this in mind.
ENDS