Weakening Coaltion Culture and Imminent Dangers

By Jeevan Baniya

People of Nepal had spoken their words in the CA election making the Maoists as the biggest political party of Nepal. It may be argued that due to greed and irresponsibility with the political leaders of other parties helped in establishing the Maoists as a hope for prosperous Nepal. And, their petty grievances and promises during the campaign also enabled them to gain wider support from the people. The Maoists also promised total transformation, which is yet to be realised, of a new era and their transition to peaceful politics was one the most important factors behind their victory. But, a common citizen like me acknowledges that, most people rarely had concerns over what the ideals of different political parties were or are, rather they had trusted the Maoists for peace that they had lost for over 12 years. The truth is that people had voted the Maoists with the hope that the country would enter into the era of peace and socio-economic progress.

I put this historical reference here so as to link the reasons to look upon the present complicated political situation which has almost shattered the hopes of people for peace. People were somehow assured that the country would usher into the path of peace, uprooting the ills of our society and never giving chances to anything to sow the seed of conflict again. But, in contrast, people have lost their confidence as our political leaders have failed to find a common ground and reaffirm our national unity by putting aside partisan interests and animosities.

In this transitional period, the government is now facing strong pressure from various groups in the society. It is a very good aspect that all the marginalised and minority groups are coming forward and putting pressure to the government before writing the new constitution, seeking guarantee to their rights but, too much pressure and too much mobilisation can be counterproductive if these movements are not managed properly. Maoist-led government clearly lacks resources and favourable political environment to meet the pressing demands from different sections. Moreover, growing division within the ruling coalition, the pressure from hardliners for authoritarian communist regime and fear for further ‘marginalisation ’ of other political parties, have further complicated the situation in Nepal.

Much ink has been spilled over on criticising the Maoists for creating the present political standoff. Most pages of mainstream newspapers come up with stories and articulations portraying negative aspects of the Maoists as if they are waging a silent war against the former rebels. It is obvious that the Maoists should be held responsible to industrial and economic downturn to an extent but media reports do not seem to have considered the fact that only the Maoists are not the only decisive party of the present government. It should not be forgotten that other coalition partners as well as opposition party are and should be responsible, if not equally, for any kind of developments the country is witnessing. The political parties should not forget a fact that people of Nepal will judge them on what role they play in writing the New Constitution but not with what game they play on pulling down the present government. It is necessary to realise that no single party is in a situation to unilaterally determine the future frame of Nepal ’s social, economic and political system. If this government fails to address the aspirations of people of Nepal, it will be a collective failure of all the political forces.

The ongoing blame game within coalition government and the opposition parties, their narrow political interests and some worn out dogmas on the part of some leaders clearly indicate that they are not seriously about improving the fate of Nepal. All the political parties in Nepal need to judge their strength and weakness and come close thus making transitional politics easier.

It is necessary to seriously keep in mind what once Abraham Lincoln said, ‘a house divided against itself can ’t stand ’. The Maoists ’ threatening to wage another war and capture power and other parties threatening to bring down the government, is sure to worsen the situation, which will not only dampen people ’s hope, it will also alienate them from the people.

When our leaders have devoted, at least in words, themselves to democracy, individual freedom and peaceful coexistence, it is worth acknowledging that peace, economic development and sustainability of democracy are correlated. People will support them as long they show willpower for transforming the country into more peaceful, industrialized and a modern economy.

At last, I have borrowed these words for our Prime Minister Prachanda from Gabriel Almond ’s truth: ‘Great Leaders are Great Coalition Builders. ’

(Baniya is a research fellow at Democracy and Social Movement Institute (DaSMI) Sungkonghoe University, Seoul, South Korea. He can be reached at: baniyajeevan@hotmail.com )

This article was originally published in online news portal of nepal: www.nepalnews.com