The Maoists have floated a system of provincial governments under which the chief ministers would be elected from specific ethnic groups only. Going by the Maoist proposal, only Newars can become a chief minister from Newa province that includes Kathmandu and only Tamang can become chief ministers in Tamsaling province that comprises districts surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.
"But we have stated that it should be implemented at least once to uplift the marginalized ethnic groups and as a mark of respect to their motherland. It can be continued or discontinued based on the necessity," said Maoist leader Giriraj Mani Pokharel, who is also a member of the committee. He said that the indigenous nationalities should be accorded privilege in natural resources, leadership development and government´s executive organs.
The Maoists have also proposed what they call consensual system at the provincial level. The Maoist party stated that the province should elect its chief minister from the largest political party. The chief minister will form his government incorporating representatives from other political parties and the groups that are on the fringe of socio-political mainstream. Under the Maoist plan, there will be no opposition political party. "The parliament itself will play the opposition party´s role," said Pokhrel. According to him, this will prevent the provinces from holding frequent elections helping political stability.
But the other political parties have strongly objected to the Maoist proposals. "There are other ways to uplift the status of the oppressed groups," said NC lawmaker Pushpa Bhusal who is also in the CA committee. She also strongly objected to the proposal for "consensual system" and said the system would be against the spirit of democracy.
After the committee meeting could not settle the major issues on Friday the meeting was postponed till next Thursday. The committee will go for a vote if the political parties fail to settle the issues through consensus.
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