Putting Nation On Constitutional Course 

The nation is marking Constitution Day today in the difficult situation generated by the Gen Z uprising on September 8 and 9. Around 74 youths lost their lives and hundreds of others were injured. Similarly, the country has suffered massive damage to its infrastructure. Significant buildings belonging to the executive, legislature, and judiciary were burnt down in the acts of vandalism, arson, and looting. 

The private sector has also borne significant losses.Both the killing of youths by the security forces and the destruction of public and private properties by the agitators are condemnable because these activities are not imagined in a civilised society. In the meantime, the interim government was formed under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on September 12 with the clear mandate of holding elections of the House of Representatives within six months. 

Assessment 

It is necessary to assess the loss of lives and property. The primary task before the concerned authorities is to find out the exact condition created in the aftermath of the Gen Z protest. The interim government should move ahead, considering the national and international scenario, because any untoward incidents may happen, taking undue advantage of the current volatility.  This is the time to maintain maximum restraints from all sides- government, civil society, civil servants, and ordinary people. Saving the nation should be everyone's prime concern. The government should properly assess the situation and inform the public about the reality of the situation.

Formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate the killing of people during the movement should be the first step to restore order and normalcy in the country. The government should revive the nation's confidence by ensuring the people's safety and security. They are facing physical threat and psychological trauma with the looting and arson of public and private properties. Infiltration of anarchist elements has been blamed for this destruction. Parliament has been dissolved, and the court is operating with difficulty. 

The situation on the street is still volatile, although people have returned to their daily routine, like in a normal situation. Nepali society is resilient and rises immediately after the crisis.  This positive part of Nepali people should be capitalised to restore peace and order. The government must be able to discourage the destructive force and promote its creative strength to carry out reconstruction. The focus should be on generating employment and engaging the youth in economic activities. This is necessary to end the frustration that has gripped the populace. 

The Gen Z youths took to the streets by putting forward two demands – lifting the social networking sites' ban and controlling corruption. Similarly, a directly elected executive head was also on their agenda. They are against the present practice of forming government through the parliamentary process. Electing a Prime Minister through the parliamentary process was like musical chairs, which had frustrated people. The political parties have to consider these agendas through appropriate and legitimate means. It is possible either by amending the constitution, by conducting a referendum, or through the electoral process. 

They have to link the youths to politics. If the political parties adopt the proper reform agenda as per the time and demand of the youth, the constitution receives more legitimacy, and the system becomes functional. Running a party system in an old-fashioned fashion will not work. The leadership of the political parties should change their work and lifestyle. They should bring massive reform in their party system because democracy cannot be imagined without political parties.    

The present constitution, which was promulgated by the historic Constituent Assembly in 2015, is considered progressive on many accounts. It may have some drawbacks, but there is no alternative to running the state under the constitution. Drawbacks of the present constitution can be rectified, but steps to alter the present constitution will create further chaos in the nation. Upholding the universal standard of the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism is legitimate. Basic and standard democratic principles and practices should not be undermined or underestimated based on pretext. 

Issuing a press statement on September 14, President Ramchandra Paudel said that the present federal democratic constitution, parliamentary system, and republican setup have been preserved. The president's role is commendable in this crisis. He formed the interim government following the constitutional provisions amidst serious challenges. There is no alternative but to address the demands of the Gen Z protestors who articulated the voice of the ordinary people.

Confidence 

Prime Minister Karki-led interim government should take the confidence of all stakeholders, including the political parties, civil society, media persons, business community, and the general people, to hold elections within the stipulated time because election is the only democratic process to take the nation on the path of stability and development.  Gen Z protestors should follow steps that are legitimate, democratic, and internationally standard. 

In conclusion, every movement and demonstration aims to bring about progressive changes. Nepali people do not accept any form of regression. They will outrightly reject any attempt to dismantle the democracy achieved with long-term struggle and sacrifices of the people. The political parties should engage in a course correction mission to win the trust of the people and the protesting youths. Governmental bodies, political organisations, and civic associations are encouraged to commemorate Constitution Day in alignment with the principles of the Gen Z movement.

(Upadhyaya is an Associate Editor at The Rising Nepal.)