Nepalmountainnews Report | 25 Oct 2007
Interview with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala
When will the Constituent Assembly elections held?
I have not wished to defer the elections slated for November 22nd. Neither do I take that positively. I also had asked leaders of the Seven Political Parties that such would loose our credibility among the international bodies. And people would also not believe us. Elections is the game of winning and losing. One party always defeated the other in course of elections. No one knows who will win. The loser of one time could be the victorious in the other. So, I requested all to hold this in scheduled date as one must not take this as a game only to win. But it was deferred with common agreement of all friends.
Earlier to the postponement, in the meeting I, Prachanda Ji (Maoist chairman), Madhav Ji (UML General Secretary) and other leaders discussed to request Election Commission (EC) to extend the date of nominations of the candidates to hold elections within the stipulated date. But all that…either a strategy or…..I find it hard to say anything as I represent the SP alliance as a Prime Minister. I have taken the postponement with great seriousness as this has saddened all.
A new date for the elections would be fixed after holding a meeting of the seven-party alliance immediately after Dashain festival.
How do you take the speculations and rumours about the Maoists' return in the government?
I can't say anything instantly as others. All these are correlated with the elections. The Maoists' decision to rejoin the government will be meaningful only after the election date is confirmed. If not why should they return? They were brought to the government to hold elections, and since they are not willing to join the government, is it necessary to describe that they are not ready to go for elections?
CA was postponed from June to November. In how many next months or years will the CA elections held?
I have expected same questions from you. When one loses faith and confidence then such questions arise. In my opinion earliest elections is must. More we show delay more time we provide the reactionary forces to build up their network. And I, in the right time, would name those responsible for all these.
Everyone must know that no political party had the right to keep the country confined in uncertainty by repeatedly delaying the CA polls.
Is it possible to meet the Maoist's demands on total proportional election system and declaring the nation a republic through Parliament?
I even in the last hour said what is wrong to settle all from the parliament. I have not any reservation over the proposal on republic. I have told same to Prachanda Ji and other leaders too. They have brought the issue to the House practicing the democratic norms, to which I extend my full support and the international community would also support us for that. So, I want the early elections. And that is in the part of nation's benefit. For the interest of the country and the people we must work for timely elections.
Could the elections be held without the Maoists?
I can't say anything on that right now. What I know is no one had the right to keep the country confined in uncertainty.
King has made frequent visits on temples?
Don't you go to temples? Didn't you visit Kali Mandir? Everyone can visit temples as an ordinary citizen of the country, so can he.
But he also visited the Kumari and take blessings?
The prayer was open to all once the PM on his capacity as the head of state visited and performed all the rituals. Anyone could go there. Why so many speculations over the issue?
Security measures were tightened during King's visit to the Hanumandhoka?
If YCL threatened you and did something unusual then security measures were also tightened for you. As a normal citizen you can visit anywhere. Papers do also have problems, no? Kantipur also faced YCL threaten. Journalist Birendra Shah has also been abducted. A safety measures were underway viewing the possibility of further harm on them if we ensue sudden measures.
Haven't you discussed the issue with Prachanda Ji?
A delegation of journalists' had already made a visit to Prachanda Ji. He even is facing a tough time. Cadres still are threatening others in power of arms. It takes time for change. Prachanda and Baburam alone cannot help it.
People complained that the situation of law and order is worsening?
We are piloting better strategies to maintain peace and security in the country. We are thinking of novel system and new arrangements for the implementation of new thoughts.
New arrangement means changing the Home Minister?
Nope. Home Minister would not be changed. No such changes were expected at the time. It's only a big thought for the better performances nothing more than that.
Based on PM's talking with the media persons at his resident in Biratnagar on Saturday, Oct 13 before his departure to Kathmandu.
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