Former secys ask parties to back CJ-led govt

KATHMANDU, March 15: Arguing that the formation of Chief Justice-led Interim Election Council was the best alternative, former bureaucrats have suggested to the political parties to extend full cooperation for the conduct of elections on time.



Speaking at an interaction at the Reporters´ Club in the capital on Friday, former bureaucrats also expressed confidence that the CJ-led non-political government would hold elections on the stipulated date if the parties create an environment conducive to polls. [break]



Urging the political parties and civil society leaders to not make much hue and cry over the theoretical principle of separation of powers, former secretary Khem Raj Regmi said, “While separation of powers is the essence of democracy, periodic election is its lifeline. The government formed to give a fresh lease of life to democracy at this special political juncture should not be taken otherwise.”



Citing examples from various countries in the world, Regmi said a CJ-led election government was the demand of exceptional political circumstances as the parties failed to agree on a government led by a political leader. “It would be wise of the parties to help the government hold polls than to prolong the crisis,” he added.



Former secretary Umesh Mainali said they were first to propose the idea of CJ-led government as there was no possibility of consensus between the parties on a political leadership. “This is not the best option, but certainly a suitable alternative given the exceptional situation,” he said. Mainali argued that parties should gear up to create an environment for polls, while the government should ensure security.



Former chief secretary Bimal Koirala argued that since Nepali bureaucracy is adept at crisis management, the CJ-led government comprising former bureaucrats can hold elections on the stipulate date if there was genuine cooperation from the political parties. He suggested to the government to immediately fill the vacant positions in the Election Commission and prepare EC to hold the polls.



Speaking during the interaction, former secretaries Trilochan Upreti, Umakant Jha and Urmila Shrestha, said the elections can be held by June if there was full cooperation from all quarters, including the political parties.

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