Constitutional Changes on the Agenda as New Bloc is Set to Form Government in Nepal

In recent developments, Nepal’s political landscape is poised for significant changes as a new coalition government is set to form. This comes after a series of strategic moves and alliances by key political figures.

Historical Context

Nepal, a country with a rich history of political upheaval, transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic in 2008. The current political scenario is a continuation of the power struggles that have characterized Nepal’s journey towards democracy. The Constitution of Nepal, promulgated on September 20, 2015, aimed to address various socio-political issues but has faced criticism for marginalizing certain sections of society.

Recent Developments

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has been at the center of these political maneuvers. Since his election as Prime Minister for the third time on December 25, 2022, Prachanda has shifted alliances multiple times between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML).

On June 22, Prachanda expressed confidence in his ability to lead the government until the next election. However, this statement did not sit well with CPN-UML chairperson K.P. Sharma Oli, who was supposed to take over the leadership after one year as per an agreement with Prachanda.

Meanwhile, NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had been sidelined twice by Prachanda, seized the opportunity to form a new alliance with Oli. At the stroke of midnight on Monday, Deuba and Oli signed a deal to oust Prachanda. The agreement, although not made public, emphasizes the need for constitutional amendments to ensure political stability.

Constitutional Amendments and Political Stability

The NC and CPN-UML have called for amendments to the Constitution, citing the need for political stability. However, political analysts argue that these claims lack credibility and are primarily for public consumption. The current electoral system, which combines First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR), has been blamed for political instability. Yet, amending the Constitution is a complex process requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament, a threshold the NC and CPN-UML currently do not meet.

Underlying Motives

Observers suggest that the new alliance between NC and CPN-UML may also be motivated by a desire to halt corruption investigations that could implicate influential leaders from both parties. Home Minister Rabi Laimchhane recently announced plans to form a commission to investigate corruption cases, adding another layer of complexity to the political scenario.

Challenges Ahead

The proposed constitutional amendments face significant hurdles. Smaller parties, particularly those from the Madhesh region, are unlikely to support changes that aim to scrap the PR system. Additionally, the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party have their own agendas, further complicating the path to constitutional amendments.

Political analysts believe that while there may be a need to review some constitutional provisions, the current push for amendments is neither politically nor mathematically feasible. The rapid degradation of political culture in Nepal has led to a parliament often devoid of an effective opposition, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance in the country.

Summary

• Historical Context: Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic in 2008.
• Recent Developments: Prime Minister Prachanda has shifted alliances multiple times; NC and CPN-UML form a new alliance to oust him.
• Constitutional Amendments: NC and CPN-UML call for amendments to ensure political stability, but face significant hurdles.
• Underlying Motives: New alliance may aim to halt corruption investigations.
• Challenges Ahead: Smaller parties and differing agendas complicate the path to constitutional amendments.
• Political Culture: Rapid degradation of political culture has led to a parliament often devoid of an effective opposition.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the current political scenario in Nepal, highlighting the historical context, recent developments, and the challenges ahead for students preparing for competitive exams.