Affecting investigations is against democracy, rule of law: Ruling parties

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 26: The ruling parties have said that any attempt to seek an alternative to democratic system and government through street protests is unacceptable.

Following a meeting called by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday, the ruling coalition of seven parties released a seven-point joint statement saying, “An alternative to democracy is a more advanced level ofaj democracy, and the only legitimate way to seek a change in government is through parliament and a fresh mandate.”

“It is clear that any attempt to proceed otherwise goes against democratic values and principles. We urge all relevant parties to remain alert and mindful of this,” the joint statement read. 

The ruling parties expressed serious disagreement with the activities aimed at disrupting the investigation and actions initiated based on the unanimous report prepared by the special parliamentary committee formed to address the cooperative fraud.

In their statement, the ruling parties asserted that actions such as gathering crowds to influence investigations and exert pressure on the courts go against democracy and the rule of law.

The joint statement signed by Prime Minister and UML chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Co-chair Renu Yadav of Janata Samajwadi Party, Dr. CK Raut, chairman of Janamat Party, Raj Kishor Yadav of Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Mahanta Thakur of Loktantrik Samajwadi Party and 

Ranjita Shrestha, chair of Nagarik Unmukti Party reads, “Following the unanimous report by the Parliamentary Special Probe Committee 2024, on the misuse of cooperative funds, the investigation and action process has commenced. To ensure justice where no innocent person is wrongfully charged and no guilty person goes unpunished, the positive cooperation of all parties is crucial in the investigation, prosecution and judicial processes.”

“However, in recent days, actions intended to influence this process have surfaced. Efforts to disrupt the investigation by assembling crowds and exerting pressure on the courts undermine democracy and the rule of law, and we strongly disagree with such actions,” the statement added. 

The meeting also decided that the government would implement all recommendations and directives issued by the parliamentary investigation committee on cooperatives. 

The ruling coalition expressed strong objections to the protests against the arrest of Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, who was among those recommended by the committee for investigation into the case related to cooperative fraud.

“We have been emphasising constitutional, legal and structural reforms through consensus to build a foundation for political stability. In this context, any activities, under various names and forms, that promote disorder, fuel political instability, and undermine the Nepali people’s aspirations for good governance and development are inappropriate,” the statement added.

Expressing concern that Nepal’s transitional justice process remains incomplete despite years of progress in the peace process, the ruling partners emphasised that the cooperation of all political parties and stakeholders would be essential in driving forward the transitional justice process effectively. 

The government highlighted its commitment to advancing this work, pointing to recent breakthroughs in resolving legal complexities. Since the formation of the current coalition, significant progress has been made, with transitional justice challenges addressed swiftly through consensus.

Amid ongoing delays in lawmaking, the ruling parties have acknowledged the need to address issues affecting the implementation of federalism and government reforms. 

To facilitate consensus on proposed legislation, the government plans to expedite the creation of essential laws, including civil law, education law and police law, the statement added. 

The ruling partners also welcomed the accomplishments made within the coalition government’s first 100 days and pledged to implement the government’s work plan effectively for the remaining term. Given the ongoing challenges faced by affected communities, the ruling parties also call on all relevant agencies to expedite relief and reconstruction efforts for those affected by the severe impacts of earthquakes, floods, landslides and inundation.