Siromani Dhungana

E lections 2013 are going to be held in the same circumstances in which 2008 CA elections were held. Almost same faces, mainly same political parties and more or less same agenda. Some politicians have changed their parties but the ideological division that existed in 2008 remains unchanged.

The problem is politicians are divided not on the basis of ideology or philosophy rather on the basis of their personal interest and benefit. There is wide rift between communists and non-communist forces. The division, at the moment, is in its worst level. There is division within communist forces and also within non-communist forces too. This deep division, almost to the level of hatred, may create obstacles in the election process. It will certainly be a stumbling block in the constitution writing process as it was before.

Had the division or rift been based on ideology, philosophy, issues and agenda, forging consensus would have been less difficult. There can be no solution to personal egos, petty interests and simple hunger for power. People know that our politicians are corrupt and incompetent and hell bent on amassing cash and misusing public resources. That has to stop.

Recently, Mohan Baidya has hinted that his party will not obstruct the election process but boycott it. But the CPN-Maoist, popularly known as the Dash Maoist, along with 41 fringe parties, imposed a general strike on Sunday showing their rage in full throttle.

Though in small numbers in streets, strike enforcers were able to create fear and an atmosphere of intimidation even in Kathmandu valley. With the experience of running a brutal civil war, Baidya and his fellows know how to create psychological pressure among general public. Even a small incident of violence may discourage voters to cast their vote. That is because leaders haven’t given people any incentive to go to voting booth by putting their personal safety at risk.

The incumbent government also has time to a tough face challenge from the Dash Maoist. Demands of other fringe parties can be managed but depends on how this government handles the issue. Tension in Tarai region is in hibernation at the moment. After dissolution of the CA, many underground groups shunned violence. But they may resume their violent activities to create pressure on government as election date approaches.

Present Chief Justice-led government was formed and stands on a rather weak ground. It doesn’t have moral authority as it has breached the norms of separation of power. It is not very fair to expect very effective performance from this government. On the other hand, none of the political parties are fair enough to conduct a free, fair and peaceful election. In the past, Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and UPCN Maoist have all captured booths- just that Maoists did it in a more effective manner in 2008 elections. Election monitoring organizations are present mainly on urban areas and, the problem is, they too are not beyond political influence. So the situation is bleak. But then we have no choice but to walk the path to elections.