There is no alternative to participatory and transparent democracy, says Dr Baburam Bhattarai

Kathmandu, March 8: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that the country has gradually advanced to a positive direction with the establishment of the federal democratic republic after a long struggle of people.

The people have been empowered but there are some reservations on their part as the demands for development, employment and prosperity were unmet, Dr Bhattarai told the RSS.     

Talking to RSS Chief Reporter Narayan Neupane and Reporter Ashok Ghimire, Chairman Dr Bhattarai argued that good governance could not be ensured as the public institutions like bureaucracy, judiciary and security bodies became weaker. "But, this is just a part of the story. It will be effective to advance ahead by addressing this issue in a democratic way," he viewed.     

Regarding the rumours about the reinstatement of the dethroned monarchy, Dr Bhattarai said it was worrisome but a sponsored act. "In a multiparty democracy, there could be parties and ideologies. There remain the trends of progressive, status-quoist and regressive. Resolution to such problems could be explored through democratic procedures," according to Dr Bhattarai.     

"I don't see this possibility (reinstatement of monarchy). Such trends unnecessarily kill time and energy," he viewed.     

Dr Bhattarai was of the view that the present constitution of Nepal has allowed no space to the former king if he were to find any role.     

He stated that the sovereign people hold the sovereign right while maintaining freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, independence and dignity of Nepal and added that this was unamendable.     

Saying that an individual and a family remain absolutely powerful in the monarchy, Dr Bhattarai argued that this provision contradicts the current constitution.     

If this constitution promulgated through the Constituent Assembly formed by the people's struggle and sacrifices was dismantled, it would create further complications, according to Dr Bhattarai.     

The former prime minister said that it will harm the nation and citizens if such activities were carried out at the behest of others in a geo-politically sensitive country like Nepal.     

The weaknesses of democracy should be corrected from within the democracy, and a matured democracy was an option to democracy, he said, adding that our democracy should be made further participatory and transparent by ensuring good governance.     

"For this, all political parties should forge consensus and collaboration," Chairman of Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) Dr Bhattarai shared.     

"We have embraced an improved parliamentary system. It was already assumed that the mixed electoral system would invite instability. The directly-elected executive presidential system in federal and directly-elected chief minister in the province would ensure executive stability for five years," Dr Bhattarai said so while urging the stakeholders to amend the constitution accordingly.(RSS)