Thapa's political proposal vows 'no vote' provision, liberal democracy with an end to pre-electoral alliance

Kathmandu, Jan 12: General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, today presented his political proposal on contemporary issues, outlining a vision to transform the party into a dynamic and advanced democratic force capable of winning trust and confidence of a new generation. 

The proposal was presented in the closed session under the party's Special General Convention, which commenced at Bhrikutimandap on Sunday, initiated by the party's General Secretary duo, Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma.

Through the proposal, Thapa assured that the Special General Convention would guide the party towards becoming an organization with clear guidelines and effective management, progressing toward a promising future.

"We will transform the Nepali Congress into a party with the revolutionary spirit of 2006 BS, the progressive and inclusive vision of 2015 BS, the popular mandate of 2048 BS, and the widely accepted leadership of 2062-63 BS," Thapa announced.

Echoing the need for liberal and progressive amendments to the Constitution in line with contemporary demands, he stated that it is a national responsibility to guide the country on the right path through dynamic constitutional enforcement. Thapa highlighted the relevance and necessity of the Special General Convention in the aftermath of the Gen Z movement, incorporating provisions for its validity, the historic traditions of the Nepali Congress, the current political context, and so on. 

He argued that the Special General Convention, held amid an unusual situation for both the nation and the party, is expected to reestablish the party as a force genuinely dedicated to democracy, committed to society, accountable to citizens, and aligned with the people-centric ideologies present at the party’s founding. "The party will be established as a trustworthy political organization," he reiterated.

The proposal includes a 17-point special resolution aimed at preparing the party for an integrated campaign to build a prosperous nation with renewed energy, enthusiasm, unity and transformation. It pledges to curb corruption and ensure financial discipline and good governance through the formulation and enforcement of effective laws, enhancement of institutional and agency efficiency, simplification and strengthening of procedures, and the establishment of a transparent, efficient and accountable administrative system.

Referring to the policy on pre-electoral alliances endorsed by the party's Mahasamiti meeting in Godavari, Lalitpur in Fagun 2080 BS, the proposal clearly states that the practice of pre-electoral alliances will not be entertained in future periodic elections.

"We will compete in elections independently, relying on the support of the people and the party. We will ensure that voters are free to cast their votes solely based on the party’s election symbol, the tree," he emphasized.

The proposal further recommends automatic suspension from party posts for leaders and members charged with corruption, exclusion from political-sharing. Freeing state institutions from politicization, strengthening parliamentary roles in policy-making and monitoring, providing election grants to political parties based on weight of votes to ensure transparency, implementing a robust fiscal discipline, ensuring the legal provision of 'no vote,' and guaranteeing voting rights for Nepalis living abroad are other features of the proposal Thapa presented.

He also proposes limiting the term of the Prime Minister (executive chief) to two terms, preventing politicization of state mechanisms, implementing institutional reforms, safeguarding liberal democracy and prioritizing national interests. (RSS)