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Openly stating the Maoists' aim to establish a communist republic, the Nepali Congress (NC) leaders are advocating that their party become the guardian for genuine democracy. Central Working Committee member Purna Bahadur Khadka resigned to highlight the Maoist danger and the undemocratic NC culture. This resignation commands respect if it has come out of keeping one's conscience clear. However, it could also be an attempt to flee the "sinking ship."
After having come above-ground, the Maoists have had over two years to prove themselves a truly democratic force. The patient Nepalese have forever been giving them the unlimited benefit of doubt. However, even the ardent optimist will have to admit that the road to a genuine, democratic republic under Maoist leadership could still be elusive. While giving lip-service to multi-party democracy, the Maoists want to lead our country the North Korean, Cuban way. For those with eyes to see, the signs are ominous.
Anyone desiring true democracy cannot but be concerned that the Maoists want to keep both the ceremonial head and the chief executive in their own party. Both roles could see a combination if Prachanda becomes an executive president like that of France, Sri Lanka, or the USA. If that happens, Prachanda's aim of being the first president of republican Nepal within two years will see reality.
Their other option is to have a Maoist become the ceremonial head while Prachanda runs the government as the PM. While this setup and that of an executive president in countries with a long history of functioning democracy poses no danger, Nepal is another case. About two years ago CP Gajurel in Delhi vowed that his party would eventually grab total power. Having gotten rid of a monarchical dictatorship, our country could end up with a Maoist autocracy, thus going from the frying pan to the fire.
The suggestion that the Maoists lead the government but make a NC member (not necessarily Girija) the head of state and a UML candidate the CA speaker has a lot to commend it. In this way, all the three major parties would be sharing power, a positive asset crucial to real democracy. The NC, UML, and the other parties have to provide the "check and the balance" to Maoist ambition.
Normally, the ceremonial head has the power to declare an emergency; and the army would swear its loyalty to the person, as to the Queen in the UK. In the present context, when the Nepal Army (NA) may only grudgingly salute a Maoist leader, a non-Maoist head of state would be ideal. The Nepal Army needs time to re-adjust. Immediately honouring "terrorists" they fought barely three years ago as leaders is quite a U-turn. Just having won the CA election and having emerged as the largest party do not earn the Maoists that respect. Time heals. Giving the ceremonial head to some other party (presuming the NA swears loyalty to the person) or letting a member of another party serve as the defence minister (DM) would be the wisest Maoist move. Having a Maoist DM now could spell disaster, but might become palatable after a decade. The Maoists, tainted by YCL adventures till now, need at least that period of time to earn NA's loyalty.
So Prachanda should run the new government, but other party members should receive ambassadors (as the head of state) or lead the CA (as speaker). With his lofty ambition of making our country a Switzerland and Dr Baburam Bhattarai's noble goal of enabling each citizen to earn 3000 dollars annually within ten years, Prachanda will find that utopia alone quite a challenge.
Now the YCL wants a youth ministry! A headline to that effect (TKP, May7) causes concern. The Maoists have left the inhospitable jungles, but pretty well kept most of their old ways. Thus, the labour (slave) camps, kangaroo courts, vestiges of parallel government, extortion, and revenge on those not voting for the Maoists (during the CA poll) continue. YCL activities have kept the "terrorist" tag in place in spite of the hope that the US would change its mind. Will the Maoist-dominated youth ministry legitimize and legally finance YCL atrocities? Regardless of calls from other parties for the abolition of this semi-military youth group, the party is set to strengthen it, even by devoting a ministry to it. Anyone judging the tree by its fruit can smell the totalitarian odour of the Maoist-led future Nepal.
Sadly, the NC, still smarting from the wounds of the CA poll defeat, too gives causes for concern. Girijababu wants to hold on to power on any pretext. Sher Bahadur Deuba shamelessly got his wife into the CA from Dandeldhura though he had campaigned to give a dalit that opportunity. It's clear by now that NC's Girijababu has no monopoly on nepotism. Deuba has some of it too. For those seeking a merit-based new Nepal, both Girija and Deuba have given little hope.
Provided the NC, UML and other parties make a healthy contribution to writing the constitution, the Maoists should run the government alone. The price of crude has now hit 120 dollars per barrel. The Maoists should have the opportunity of waving the magic wand and bringing relief. People remember only too well their burning of tyres and bringing the nation to a standstill when the Koirala government (which they joined) realistically raised the price of petroleum products last year.
The civil society, journalists, and all conscious citizens should voice immediate concern at every Maoist attempt towards a totalitarian regime. Evil prospers only when good people keep quiet. Showing concern now can save us consternation later. Newer...
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