Balendra Shah: Government Seeks to Develop ‘National Commitment’ by Integrating Election Manifestos of All Parties
Image source, EPA
The Government’s Chief Secretary has stated that while finalizing the ‘National Commitment’ based on the election manifestos of all national parties, discussions are underway on conflicting issues found within those manifestos.
The government led by Balendra Shah (Balen) recently introduced a hundred-point governance reform plan which includes the formation of a ‘National Commitment’ linked to annual policies, budgets, and reform agendas.
Accordingly, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers prepared a draft on Monday and invited suggestions from political parties. This draft was reportedly created based on the pledges and manifestos of all parties represented in the House of Representatives.
“The draft was prepared after reviewing all political party manifestos, aiming to foster collective ownership of shared national issues,” said Chief Secretary Sumanraj Aryal.
“We will receive feedback from parties, analyze it, and finalize the document in collaboration with them. This will be reflected in government policies.”
Political parties have been given time until the 10th of Baisakh to submit their suggestions.
The main opposition and other parties have yet to formally participate in the ‘National Commitment’ process.
“If the government wishes to implement the issues in our manifesto, we will certainly support them,” said Nepali Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise. “However, we remain cautious against any moves under this guise that seek to practice retaliatory politics, suppression, or weaken democracy. That must not happen.”
Nepali Communist Party (UML) Vice President Raghuji Pant said there has been no discussion about such a draft within the party and they can only respond after review.
What does the government’s draft contain?
The draft addresses topics such as economic stability, good governance, self-reliance, employment, and energy and infrastructure development.
For economic transformation, it mentions establishing national consensus among major political parties on the economic agenda within a specified timeframe to position Nepal as a dignified middle-income country, achieving an average six to seven percent growth rate over five years, with a per capita income of $3,000 and total GDP close to $100 billion.
Regarding good governance and anti-corruption, the draft states that the assets of public officials appointed after 1990 will be subject to transparent and lawful investigation. It also underscores policy and legal measures to end partisan affiliation in government services and calls for the abolition of party-based trade unions within government services.
The 22-page draft encompasses 18 key points.
The government has indicated that the finalized document post consultations will be owned collectively by the Government of Nepal.
A necessary structure will be established within the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office for immediate implementation.
Due to the distinct ideas and principles underlying each party’s manifesto, challenges are anticipated in reconciling contradictory promises.
“Discussions are ongoing on these matters as well. Some political issues will be addressed accordingly with consensus. Our civil service will not be involved, and other topics will be handled as necessary,” added Aryal.
Past Practices
Political analysts note that historically parties have determined a ‘minimum common program’ through coalition arrangements when forming governments.
“Recently, parties have shown examples of national consensus on various issues,” said political expert Milan Shrestha.
He added that progressing with support from other parties would benefit everyone, but pointed out that merely drafting a document does not guarantee consensus.
“In daily government and parliamentary affairs, there are distinctions between ruling and opposition parties, but national matters require consensus regardless of majority or minority,” said Shrestha, who is an Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at Tribhuvan University.
“The government does not need to seek sharing on every issue, especially regarding accountability, which lies with the ruling party rather than the opposition.”
Concerns
Congress spokesperson Chalise emphasized that national consensus should focus mainly on the provision of public services, development, national security, and foreign policy based on national interests.
“We are not opposing steps taken for the nation’s welfare, but the public must perceive impartiality in government actions,” he noted.
“For instance, we have raised the issue of illegal accumulation of wealth by senior political and administrative figures since 2046 BS (1989/90 AD), even prior to the establishment of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Our position is clear: such matters must be judged as crimes, not matters of faith. Investigation based on belief is unacceptable.”
Political scientist Shrestha added that opposition parties will need to make some compromises.
“Some government initiatives may encounter opposition party resistance; the government is attempting to build trust among parties,” he said, “This process is likely to produce results but requires consultation.”
“For example, all party manifestos include commitments against corruption and strengthening governance and administration, but questions may arise about inclusivity of all social groups, and debates could occur about why investigations focus only on post-2046 BS periods.”
Chief Secretary Aryal described the draft as ‘very preliminary.’
“The full picture emerges only after the initial sketch. We are still at the consultation stage.”
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