Stakeholders of Peace Accord should unite: CPN Maoist Chair Prachanda

Kathmandu, Feb 9: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the only option was to unite to ensure lasting peace in the country by completing the remaining tasks of the peace process.

For this, he has appealed for the partnership of the stakeholders of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA). At a dialogue program on a decade of implementation of the constitution organized by the Constitution Watch Group and Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research in Kathmandu on Sunday, the former prime minister said the stakeholders of the CPA should join hands together no matter if there were massive criticisms on the constitution from the rightist groups.

He stated that people’s discontent would be exacerbated if the two major political parties in the government failed to deliver to meet the public aspirations. Saying that people were expecting good governance, social justice, and economic prosperity, Prachanda described the development made in the areas of physical development, education, health care, roads, drinking water, and other sectors as being on positive paths.

He, however, said that the political leadership and forces should have a thorough self-assessment as they have failed to deliver to meet economic prosperity in the country. The Maoist Centre Chairman said national unity and perspective were required after a critical review from the judicial sector and intellects, among others.

Prachanda reiterated that efforts to amend the constitution to seize inclusive representation and identity established as the achievements of the movement were not acceptable for his party. Also speaking at the event, CPN (UML) general secretary Shankar Pokhrel said the province and local levels have faced challenges in work to achieve the goals of development and prosperity as the province and local levels were not given handed-over rights as per the aspirations of the constitution.

He viewed that a review of the achievements made so far should be done in the constitution, and political stability should be given by its amendment. Similarly, NC Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat argued the lawmaking process would not gain pace until we set a timeframe for registration, amendment, and passage of the bills from parliament.

“When it comes to the amendment of the constitution, we are not retracting from proportional and inclusive systems. The ordinances were brought based on need,” he informed. According to him, positive thoughts of possibility are essential in a country where development and progress are awaited. Dr. Mahat suggested encouraging the private sector for a thriving national economy.

On the occasion, RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar said his party would extend support to the amendment of the national charter if it was aimed at consolidating federalism and an inclusive system. Chairman of the Janamat Party, CK Raut, said Nepal could see political stability and prosperity once it adopted the system of directly elected executive president and selection of office bearers at constitutional bodies through election.

Constituent Assembly member Agni Kharel warned that if the political parties continued only thinking for their convenience and comfort, it could create adversity for the country. Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha regretted that the general expectation of positive development during the promulgation of the constitution was fading, which is a serious issue.

“Bills do not deserve to be Acts. Independent bodies must not be made pliant,” he argued, raising the question, “Are the rights stated in the Constitution put into practice?” The constitutional expert also suggested reviewing whether province, republic, secularism, and public service were reflected in implementation. —RSS