Nepalmountainnews Report | 1 Apr 2008
Interview with Ishwor Pokharel
ISHWOR POKHAREL, CPN-UML central committee member and standing committee member, is contesting the election for the Constituent Assembly from constituency no 5 Kathmandu. Pokharel, 54, is known as a powerful member with more than three decades in CPN-UML's central committee. Below is an excerpt of talking with on the periphery of the election. Excerpts:
As there are still doubts over whether the election will be held or not? How do you see the situation as a candidate of CPN-UML?
I don't have any doubt about the election. I am confident that the election will be held on schedule April 10. There is no basis to rumors that the election will be postponed.
At a time when the violence is escalating and Maoists still are reportedly threatening the candidates, what is the basis for your confidence?
We don't have any other alternative other than to go for election. If we cannot hold the election, we will lose the legitimacy to rule the country. In case of failing to hold the election, the situation is going to be worse in the country.
In the last two years, the elections were postponed three times and no one question raised the legitimacy of the government. How do you say that this time the election is related to the legitimacy?
It was different in the past as there were so many hurdles. Nobody raised the question of legitimacy but now the situation is different as all international observers are in Nepal and international community have expressed their commitments. Thus, I am confident that the election will be held.
How do you see the Maoists who have been reportedly creating the problems that may result in the postponement of election?
I don't think Maoists have any option other than to support and take part in the election. Only through the election, Maoists, too, can achieve their objective to have democratic republic. Maoists also need international legitimacy.
How do you see the law and order situation?
It is deteriorating and there is virtually no government in the country. The home ministry is just a spectator of all the incidents.
Maoist leaders have been accusing CPN-UML leaders for snubbing their proposal to have left unity. How do you look at it?
We need unity among all democratic forces. So far as left unity is concerned, we always have shown maximum flexibility for it. But, CPN-Maoist has shown rigid stand.
Don't you see the possibility to have consensus to support the top leaders?
This can be done but one must have very realistic approach.
How do you see the position of CPN-UML?
There is a nationwide wave in favor of CPN-UML. If people are allowed to vote freely and without intimidation, they will vote CPN-UML.
At a time when leaders of all political parties have been talking about the need to have seven party unity, why there are so many violent?
There is no doubt the country requires the unity among the seven parties till the new constitution will be formulated and next election is held. Even if CPN-UML will win the majority, we want to see all party national government to draft a new constitution. We want healthy competition among political parties as we all have our own programs and identity. We must have friendly competition. It is unfortunate that Maoists are yet to give up their past behavior.
Why would the voters choose CPN-UML?
CPN-UML has clear vision and programs for prosperity and development of the country. Our economic agenda, political agenda and constitutional agenda is very clear. We have presented 20 years vision programs. Voters still remember our nine months rule when we introduced so many new vision. I think people will vote us and give majority so that they want to see the constitution formulated under our leadership.
Who are your competitors?
Our competitor is Nepali Congress. We have already contested several elections in the past.
How do you see the Maoists? Don't you think they will cut your vote banks?
CPN-UML has its own vote bank and people will vote our candidates. Of course, some of them might have left our party but overwhelming majority of the party workers are with us.
At a time when there is allegation of intimidation, kidnapping and violent, how do you see the possibility to hold the free and fair elections?
Of course, we should have prevented such incidents. Despite all these things, the election campaigns are going on very peacefully.
How do you find the response of your voters?
Voters are very much enthusiastic to vote to elect the members to draft the constitution.
What is the priority of voters?
Voters want peace, development and prosperity though the CA elections. Their prime concern is peace and normalcy in the country. People are taking the present election as the past elections. This election is for the constitution making. We must convince the people that the CA elections will decide the fate of their rights and country's destiny.
Why are you giving importance to this election?
If we cannot hold the election, the country will disintegrate and there will come a major crisis in the existence of our country.-from Spotlight
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