Kathmandu, May 19
Sajha Bibeksheel Party Nepal chief Rabindra Mishra says Nepal should have decided whether to introduce republicanism, federalism and secularism in the country through a referendum.
He is of the view that there would not have been any controversy about these issues if they had been decided through the referendum earlier.
In a long interview with Onlinekhabar, Mishra states, “All three issues would have a longterm influence on the country’s future. If there was a civilised political culture in Nepal, they could be established either through a referendum or a violent movement.”
“There was not any violent movement in the country. Therefore, they should have been decided through a referendum.”
The journalist turned leader further adds that the country should be ready to conduct a referendum if these issues block the country’s development in the future. He says it is likely if the leaders fail to institutionalise the new systems.
If such referendum happens, no political party should impose a whip on its members and let them decide freely, he demands.
Mishra, however, says his party is for strengthening and institutionalising these systems for now.
“We have moved ahead a lot. The parties carrying these agendas received majority votes in the elections,” he says, “What will you get if you try to subvert them? It will only keep development and prosperity aside. Therefore, we are for institutionalising them.”
