Dedicated to Daniel Pearl

The Interim Legislature-Parliament on Friday passed all the bills related to Constituent Assembly (CA) elections in Nepal. The parliament paved the for the Election Commission to initiate necessary procedure to hold the elections on scheudled date. The seven political parties in Nepal are yet to fix a new date for the CA poll, though they have claimed they will conduct the poll by mid-April 2008.

Today’s development has brought hope to people in Nepal and abroad on the possibility of the poll in near future. The Election Commission had asked the government to immediately pass poll-related laws so that it will be easier for the Commission to proceed further. Although there are challenges in  holding the poll, this decision has accelerated the process of the poll. The unrest in the southern Nepal and new demands put forth by agitating groups especially the Madhesi groups, has put further challenge to the government to hold the CA poll. But I think the government can hold the poll as scheduled if seven political parties maintain their strong unity.

In yet another development, the political parties today decided to hold joint election rallies in seven different parts of the country. This move will generate enthusiasm among people to participate in the poll and it will bring hope and determination among voters. The CA poll is much important in Nepal to settle dozens of underlying issues. Once the poll is held, many issues will automatically be addressed and it will inculcate the commitment to peace and democracy.

Cheers for the decision!