Pillars and Politicians

Blogdai has always wondered what it would be like to re-start a democracy-knowing what we all know now. We've been debating democracy quite vigorously in this blog, with each and all having a different take on its definitions. Blogdai feels that the most basic pillars of democracy were at risk in Nepal prior to the takeover. The rule of law, citizen security, public trust, political transparency and accountability were among these pillars.

Nepal has a chance to rebuild a new and improved version of its democracy. All Nepalis were sick and tired of corruption; and the CIAA, though well meaning, was essentially toothless. Now, Gyenendra is instituting reforms aimed at real transparency.http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/nepal.govt.ap/. Finally there is some teeth in the monitoring and prosecuting of corrupt officials. No more Lauda Air scandals, blogdai says.

Now wait a minute. Isn't the king a despotic unilateralist murderer? Why would he institute a strong anti-corruption measure against himself? Could it be that he is laying the groundwork for a new parliament and government? So far, there is no mention of curtailing any legislative powers of Nepal's government- only corruption. Get rid of the worst and least democratic parts of the old government only. Sound like an autocrat to you?

So, if we were to consider some new definitions of "pillars" of democracy, let's add the vigorous and hopefully independent monitoring of all government transactions to insure transparency and defeat corruption. Nice huh? Blogdai would also like to see term limits as a new pillar, but that's for another time.

Meanwhile, the parties just don't get it. They are planning a street protest as soon as they can organize-possibly in a few hours. Naturally, G.P. Koirala is behind it.

Over the past year, even more, the parties refused to reach agreement, compromise or concensus with each other or the King. The only thing that they were able to do was organize street protests that made everyone in Kathmandu fed up and angry with their recalcitrance. So let's see, the country is falling apart, Maoists are gaining in strength, and all you can do is organize street protests. Laughably, these protests against the king and "regression" continued long after the King recinded the move that inspired the term.

This could have all been solved if the parties would have just stopped bickering. In times of crises, real democratic governments put aside their differences and bond against a common threat. Not this time. The Parties scratched at each other like old cats right up until the takeover.

These protesters are going to get arrested before they start this demonstration and a big human rights stink will be made. The western media, who didn't know Nepal from Naples prior to the takeover will now expertly cry out that "democracy" has been stifled once again. Never mind that these protests will be paid for, new banners and all, by the same corrupt political parties that sent Nepal to the brink of collapse just a few months ago.

-=blogdai