Prisoners and Amnesty

23 April 2007: The convicted prisoners are demanding that they be amnestied and released by the government in the context of new political situation. They are raising their demands after seeing that the Maoists were released after the Jan Andolan, April Revolution. On 22 April, 2007, I had the opportunity to take part in a live radio talk program organized by the FM 102.4 radio on the issue of 'Amnesty to Convicted Prisoners'. My observation was that both parties, the prisoners and the government, should consider that the releases of the Maoists were based upon the political negotiation and agreements between the government and warring party—the Maoists. The Maoists were considered as 'a class of individuals irrespective of individual situation'. This was the result of the political settlement. This does not apply to the other prisoners convicted on charges of social crimes. Hence their demands do not hold grounds. However, both—amnesty and pardon—promote impunity. Therefore, there is demand for punishing the war criminals in Nepal.

Should we go for Constituent Assembly Election or Nomination?

I had the opportunity of taking part in-group round-table discussions with the members of Election Commission today. The time is running out of our hand for an ideal election and we are standing on slipping sands. What struck with many of us was the possibility of selecting alternatives to the Constituent Assembly election. One of them could be the nomination of members for the CA by various ethnic communities in proportionate to their population. This will avoid number of problems: it will guarantee the representation of all the ethnic community on which they can rely upon; it will reduce the costs; it will save time and energy; it will be more secure; it will be more effective; it will be impartial and free from vote rigging and booth capturing; it will avoid possible human loss and casualties.
I am aware that compromise to a theory has no excuse. This will open new avenues for its legal validity and discontent also. The nomination or selection cannot withstand democratic election. However, there is lot of disenchantment to our democratic elections. It is the pride, love, respect, satisfaction, confidence, trust that keep the nation going forward, not just the democratic process, especially if it serves only few. Let us make our democracy that makes everyone happy, and part of the nation and state in real sense. Let us hope that the people do not lose their faith on democracy repeatedly.