The country’s politics has abruptly taken a new course with the Supreme Court (SC) decision on March 7 to annul the unification of erstwhile CPN-UML and CPN - Maoist Centre. The decision was a bolt from the blue. It reversed the status quo and power equation with greater implications. It recognised the NCP led by Rishi Kattel while reviving the UML and Maoist Centre. Those wanting to bolster the NCP felt hurt with the decision but there was no option but to accept the court verdict. The promptness that the NCP leaders showed in implementing the verdict indicates the deepening trust in judiciary and enhanced constitutional practice. In the past, we have seen the political leaders resorting to the street protests against the court decision.

But the parties have demonstrated democratic maturity over the years as the country has adopted refined and comprehensive political system to address the ever growing aspirations of people. The reinstated UML and Maoist Centre have taken a series of steps to implement the verdict. The two parties are engaged in restructuring their organisations. In the last two and a half years, these two parties had moved together by unifying their committees from centre to the ward level. But now they have additional tasks to form and renew their separate committees through a due democratic process. One challenge they face is to manage the internal dissension and bolster the unity of the respective parties. The leadership needs to display skill and efficiency to minimise the intra-party conflict. One viable method is to promote inner party democracy that offers desired space to the dissenters to put up their views, thereby finding the common ground to sort out the disputes no matter how trickier they are.

The ruling CPN-UML the other day held special central committee meeting after the SC decision on the status of NCP. It decided to move ahead by implementing the court’s decision. It decided to hold open dialogues and discussions with all parties in the changed context. As reported by this daily, general secretary Ishwor Pokharel said the meeting has called upon all the leaders and cadres of the party to correct their past mistakes and be active in the party with passion. Its call for leaders and foot soldiers to devote to expand the party organisation with passion and zeal is important because they have to work from new approach and method.

The party has urged its members to adhere to the essence and spirit of the oath taken while getting the party’s membership. The party will be dynamic and vibrant if its members become active and serve the people. Similarly, it imperative that the UML, as the largest party in the federal parliament, has the onus to start talks with all legitimate national forces so as to deal with the emerging challenges facing the country. Democracy can foster and be functional when the political parties develop minimum consensus on the matter of politics, economy, and foreign affairs and so on. If the political parties are people-centric and follow independent policies, it is unlikely that any plot be it domestic or from outside can undermine the national sovereignty and the nation’s right to self-determination.