The CPN-Maoist today presented a nine-point proposal for the formation of a post-election consensus government at the three-party meeting of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Maoists. The proposal envisions head of the state role for PM Girija Prasad Koirala until a new constitution comes into effect.
According to the proposal, the first meeting of the CA would implement the agenda of republic and the council of ministers would table a motion to this effect.
In order to create an environment of mutual trust and further cement ties among the parties, all past agreements would be fully implemented, the proposal states.
All the sides would express commitment to maintain law and order and none of the parties would use force, intimidation and political vendetta against others.
In the draft obtained by this daily, the Maoists have expressed commitment to transform the CPN-Maoist into a fully political organisation and bring an end to the paramilitary-style acts of YCL.
As per the proposal, the Maoists would lead the government and the PLA would be brought under the command of the State. PLA combatants would be adjusted and rehabilitated within a certain period of time in line with the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the interim constitution.
The Maoists have proposed a high-level and permanent steering mechanism of the democratic parties until a new constitution is drafted to run the government on consensus basis.
“GP Koirala will be requested to chair the steering committee along with a special constitutional power so that he can provide political guardianship in the days to come,” states the proposal.
The Maoists have proposed that the PM should act as head of the state until the CA makes new constitution. Instead of making a drastic change, it is appropriate to make minor changes to the interim constitution for the time being, the proposal states. It adds as it is essential to have a general consensus or a two-third majority to build a new constitution through the CA, the post-election government should also be formed in accordance with the same principle.
The Maoists have also proposed that power and ministerial portfolios should be shared among the parties as per their strength in the CA. The government would also take immediate measures to ease up availability of petroleum products and foodstuff, the proposal adds. NC vice-president and Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel told the media that the Maoist proposal “failed to address their concerns”.
Nine-point proposal
•First CA meeting to implement republican agenda
•All past agreements to be fully implemented
•All parties’ commitment to maintain law and order
•Commitment to transform Maoists into a fully political organisation and end paramilitary-style acts of YCL
•PLA to be brought under the state’s command
•All-party high-level steering mechanism for consensus. PM Koirala, with special constitutional powers, to lead it.
•Sharing of ministerial portfolios as per the parties’ strength in CA
•Minor changes in interim constitution; no change in two-third majority provision
•Govt shall take immediate measures to facilitate availability of petroleum products and foodstuff
Fourth amendment mooted
The Maoists on Monday proposed a fourth amendment to the Interim Constitution to implement the republican agenda by the first meeting of the CA. The Maoists want to declare Nepal as Federal Democratic Republic through the amendment.
The Maoists proposed to amend the preamble of the constitution as well as Articles 1, 4, 38, 45, 46, 138, 158 and 159 in order to implement the republican agenda.
The Maoists have proposed to shift the power of head of the state to the Prime Minister. The Maoists also want to scrap Article 159 (5), which still recognises the king, though powerless.
Meanwhile, the NC and UML also came up with their separate proposals regarding the amendment to the interim constitution in Monday’s meeting. Both have proposed to replace the provision of two-third majority to form and remove the government by a simple majority. They have also proposed to create the posts of president and vice-president after the monarchy is abolished. NC wants the president to control the national army. — HNS
’New govt unlikely for another week’
Kathmandu: Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said on Monday that the Maoists did not have the moral authority to lead the government as long as they ran parallel government structures and let the YCL commit atrocities.
Deuba said this at a function organised to mark the 18th anniversary of the Nepal Press Union. “We have yet to discuss the Maoists’ proposal on government formation,” he said and ruled out the formation of a new government next week.“To win our support and form a government, the Maoists must meet the seven demands of the NC,” Deuba said. “How can a party that is running parallel and rebel government structures lead a consensus government?”
The NC has called for the dissolution of militant and semi-militant structures of the Maoists, return of seized property to the rightful owners and an end to YCL atrocities.
“How should I behave with a person, who is a CA member, YCL commander and a commander of the Maoist army? Should I behave with him as a CA member or a commander of a rebel organisation?” wondered Deuba.
NC acting president Shushil Koirala said, “Though people were intimidated during the CA polls, we respected poll results because we did not want to derail the peace process.” “Now that the polls are over, the Maoist should behave as a political outfit,” he said. — HNS