What Shape Federalism?

April Revolution: One For World History?

The number one question I am asking as to Nepal's next constitution is will or will not Nepal choose to become a multi-party democracy of state-funded parties? That is the supreme question. The number two question I am asking is will or will not Nepal end up with a federal parliament that is at least one third female by law? If Nepal can take these two big steps, Nepal will have become the number one democracy on the planet, and the April Revolution 2006 and the two Madhesi movements together will have been the French Revolution for this 21st century. In becoming a multi-party democracy of state-funded parties, Nepal will have synthesized the two major streams in global politics in the past century, namely capitalism and communism. Communism failed for lack of politcal pluralism. Capitalism failed by deviating from one person one vote democracy.

Federalism: Contention On The Map

This is likely to be the primary contentious issue in the constituent assembly. The country has already agreed on federalism as a principle. But the shape and form of federalism is bound to bring forth much heated debate and discussions.

The two primary victors of the April 10 elections have been the Maoists and the MJF. The Maoists have been pushing for ethnic federalism all along. First they had a nine state federalism, that I modified into an eight state federalism in the map above. Why not a Khasan also? After the Madhesi movement of 2007, the Maoists decided to break up the Madhesh state into three and take Chitwan out of Madhesh altogether. That was their way of punishing the Madhesis for the Madhesh movement.

The MJF's One Terai, One State call is a call for geographic federalism. But it has not produced a national map, and it has not made any attempts to seek allies in the UML and the Congress, and the other smaller parties. So although it might have a winning formula, it has floundered fundamentally in terms of tactics.

The MJF, if it hopes to succeed in its One Terai One State demand, must take some practical steps and isolate the Maoists on this question. The MJF has to realize that the UML, and the Congress are also opposed to ethnic federalism. And if the MJF, the UML, and the Congress can come together, their geographic federalism proposal will carry the day, and the Maoist ethnic federalism formula will go into the dustbins of history as one of intellectual curiosity, and no real impact.

The MJF's call for geographic federalism will only succeed if it is part of a larger package deal which addresses all major issues for the next constitution. It has to talk of retaining the current 75 districts. It has to talk of 75 multi member constituencies for the lower house, and a completely proportional formula for the upper house. It has to talk of a four state federalism: Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, Terai. It has to talk of a directly elected president. Whereas it would be okay to have unicameral legislatures in the four states, and Chief Ministers elected by those legislatures.

Transition Challenges

75 Districts

Those who are for geographic as opposed to ethnic federalism must work to preserve the 75 districts. The Maoists might push for a three level government - federal, state, local - so as to push their agenda of ethnic federalism. Those for geographic federalism have to push for a four layer government - federal, state, district, local - to counter that.

Geographic Federalism For Economic Revolution

The number one argument for geographic federalism is that it will provide the best platform for an economic revolution for the country. In a vibrant economy, people and families move around. A Nepali citizen should feel at home in any part of the country, not just in their ethnic enclaves.

Mantra: Economic Revolution
Proposed Constitution

In The News

‘Divided’ MJF mulls over leadership, reforms at GC Himalayan Times The statute draft reforms proposed for collective leadership under the able guidance of an individual. ...... Upendra Yadav, Jaya Prakash Gupta, Renu Kumari Yadav, Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar, Sharat Singh Bhandari, Jitendra Dev and Nasir Siddiqui are members of the high-power panel.
Maoists Mull One-Man-One-Post Policy The 14 state councils include -- Kochila, Limbuwan, Kirant, Magarat, Tamuwan, Tamsaling, Newa:, Awadh, Bhojpura, Mithila, Tharuhat, Bheri-Karnali, Seti-Mahakali and Pravaas.
Dire Consequences if Govt Toppled: Dr Bhattarai new directives, policies and regulations would be formulated and implemented at the village level after the formation of local bodies to expedite development works. .... the 123-MW Upper Seti Hydroelectricity Project and 600 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectricity Project were on government's priority.
Breakthrough in Uma Singh’s murder case One of the suspects is a Maoist cadre. While, the other is the commander of Tarai Ekta Parishad (TEP), an armed group in the Tarai. ...... TEP commander Mebi Lal Paswan was nabbed from Saghar in Dhanusha yesterday. “Yadav was arrested on the basis of Paswan’s statement ...... Dilip Shah, Maoists’ district in-charge admitted that Yadav was a regional member of the party. Enraged by his arrest, party cadres today blocked traffic at Malhaniya on the East-West Highway for two hours from 3 pm. ...... Paswan had been shot in the leg when he tried to flee during an encounter with the police.
Bid to rein in corruption in state organs The Administrative Restructuring Commission (ARC) will instruct the Ministry of General Administration (MGA) to collect the property details of government employees, who are working in state organs that are perceived to be prone to corruption. ....... Customs, land revenue and transport management departments are believed to be indulging in financial wrong doings. ........ “We also plan to draw the government’s attention to illegal practices of ministries and government offices as far as transfer of employees are concerned. The existing procedure is a blatant violation of the Public Service Act,” he added.

MJF closed-door session starts amid clashes between cadres NepalNews
Uma’s murderer has been nabbed: Minister Mahara one of the prime suspects, Mebilal Paswan, who is affiliated with a little known outfit called Terai Ekta Parishad, has been detained and that he has admitted to murdering her.
MJF harps on Madhesh state Kantipur Online, Nepal the new constitution should provide opportunities for the Madheshi people to be not only the country's President and Vice President, but also to be the Prime Minister and senior officers of the Nepal Army and the police. .... Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta, also the Minister for Agriculture, stressed the need for strengthening the party's organization
Second day of MJF Convention resume
Closed-door session of MPRF begins Republica, Nepal
Special session at MJF Convention delayed Kantipur Online, Nepal
Special session delayed due to dispute in MJF Kantipur Online, Nepal
CC meeting approve its working procedure Nepalnews.com, Nepal

'No dispute within MJF' Kantipur Online, Nepal
MJF second general convention to kick off today Nepalnews.com
MPRF convention set to re-elect Upendra Yadav as party chief Republica The third largest party in the ruling coalition that was on the verge of split just weeks ago is "one" again. .... the possibility of split has passed after the party leadership agreed to include more members in the central committee from the party dissidents.
MPRF decides to address differences after convention
MPRF at crossroads 52 party lawmakers ...... he nine-hour long meeting of the party’s lawmakers on Wednesday, which was called to settle the issue, saw extremely heated exchanges between the lawmakers, if not fist fights, while journalists watched bemused through glass windows. ....... all four from Sunsari and Saptari districts. Preparations complete for MPRF convention Republica About 700 representatives from 22 tarai districts and Kathmandu and Gorkha districts in the hills
150 MJF, Maoist cadres quit, form new outfit Kantipur Online, Nepal
MJF CC meet underway Kantipur Online, Nepal BP Yadav-led group and Bijaya Kumar Gachchedar led group
TMDP eying to cash in on intra-party MJF rift Himalayan Times, Nepal
MJF unity depends on Yadav, says Gachhadar Nepalnews.com, Nepal
MJF may quit Maoists-led Nepal Govt: Minister Yadav Telegraphnepal.com
Disgruntled Nepal Maoist leader to form regional Madhesi party Telegraphnepal.com
MJF will not split: FM Yadav, Gachchedar Kantipur Online, Nepal Claiming that the recent debate in the party was a democratic exercise, the two leaders added that nobody had the intention to split the party. .... “If Yadav does not abide by the politics of consensus, the party will split.” ...“If Yadav does not abide by the politics of consensus, the party will split.”
Confused cadres feel MJF rift heat Himalayan Times
MJF will not quit govt: Yadav Nepalnews.com

Gachhadar Wants MJF to Quit Govt Himalayan Times, Nepal
Gachchedhar, Gupta claim MJF won’t split Kantipur Online
MJF ministers unhappy with govt's performance Nepalnews.com
Nepal: Three MJF ministers tender resignation Telegraphnepal.com
MJF President Yadav's whims unacceptable: Nepal Minister Telegraphnepal.com, Nepal
Russian Federation still a world power: Nepal FM Yadav Telegraphnepal.com
MJF pushes one Madhesh Agenda Kantipur Online, Nepal
Minister Gachhedar, lawmaker Mandal manhandled by own party workers Kantipur Online, Nepal Scores of MJF cadres led by Tuluram Rajbanshi forcefully dragged Minister Gachchhedar, who won the Constituent Assembly polls from a Morang constituency, and lawmaker Ramananda Mandali out of the vehicle they were travelling in and misbehaved them ..... the MJF workers including himself were injured after the irate cadres knocked those who went for the rescue of the minister and lawmaker.
Nepal: MJF will not divide, FM Yadav Telegraphnepal.com, Nepal
'YCL, Youth Force creating security nightmares' Nepalnews.com
YCL, YF Derailing Peace Process: Yadav Himalayan Times
YCL, YF must be dissolved: FM Yadav Kantipur Online
Nepal coalition partners threaten to pull out of Govt Indian Express, India

MJF general convention kicks off in Birgunj NepalNews the third largest party in the ruling coalition Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) ..... the largest party of Terai ..... senior political leaders from Chinese Communist Party, Bangladesh's Awami League, and Indian parties such as Janata Dal (United) and Nationalist Congress Party have arrived to participate in MJF's convention MJF General Convention kicks off in Birgunj Kantipur 1,500 party cadres and observers from 25 districts ..... special session will take place on Sunday and the election of Central Committee (CC) members on Monday. ....... there is no dispute regarding the leadership, Joint Chairman Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta said. ...... Yadav’s nine-page report stresses on the demand of “One Madhesh, One Province.” ....... the statute-related draft calls for provision of appointing all the CC members and the party chairman through election. ...... Four MJF leaders representing the party in the government have clarified that there are no differences within the party. ...... Chairman Upendra Yadav, Joint Chairman Jayaprakash Prasad Gupta, parliamentary party leader Bijay Kumar Gachchedhar and Renu Yadav

The Madhesi street Nepali Times
"Why?" We know Uma's father and brother were disappeared and killed by the Maoists when her family resisted Maoist attempts to grab their property. She wanted to pursue the case, but the culture of impunity has meant that those killers remain scot-free. ...... "If they had been arrested, this would never have happened. No one is scared here," her close friend and Siraha colleague, Rajesh Verma told us. We know Uma wrote critically of the Maoists. She had told some friends: "Journalism is a way for me to take revenge and seek justice for my family's suffering." ....... a major squabble in Uma's family. Uma's father was a landowner in Siraha's Maheshpur village, besides having property in Mirchaiya bazaar. The Maoists had captured it in the past, but some other family members were eyeing it now. These relatives had a cold relationship with both Uma and her mother. ........ Many in the Tarai feel that the state has willingly abdicated its responsibility to protect lives because Madhesis, not Pahadis, are dying. ....... As she was breathing her last on the way to Bardibas, Uma's only question was, "Why? What crime did I commit?" If she had stayed on as a meek, submissive woman in her village and accepted existing power and patriarchal norms, Uma may have survived.

Nepal: MJF CA members resign, President Yadav rigid Telegraphnepal.com in Kathmandu, some twenty-seven MJF leaders have submitted their joint resignation to the party general secretary Ram Sahaya Yadav from the post of the Constituent Assembly member.

CPN (Maoist) To CPN (Deng)?

CPN (Maoist) To CPN (Deng)

When I heard rumors recently that the Maoists of Nepal might change the name of their party, I was hoping they would become CPN (Deng Xiaoping).

Mao was a disaster in power. He was terrible for the Chinese economy. The numbers show.

The Chinese Success Story

Deng Xiaoping - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Deng never held office as the head of state or the head of government, but served as the de facto leader of the People's Republic of China from 1978 to the early 1990s. ........ instrumental in introducing a new brand of socialist thinking, having developed Socialism with Chinese characteristics and Chinese economic reform, also known as the socialist market economy and partially opened China to the global market. ..... generally credited with advancing China into becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world and vastly raising the standard of living. .......... Deng changed China from a country obsessed with mass political movements to a country focused on economic construction. ...... China's significant economic growth in the 1980s and 1990s was largely credited to Deng's policies. ........ Deng Xiaoping's policies are among some of the most successful industrializations in human history, comparable to only the rapid industrialization of Japan, the Soviet Union and the homeplace of the industrial revolution itself, Britain. In a little over 30 years, his policies was able to move China from the peasant society it once was to an industrial superpower whose industrial output is only second to that of the United States and is said to become world leaders in the economic market in just a few decades. ...... Favouring joint-ventures over domestic industry, Deng allowed foreign capital to pour into the country. While some see these policies as a fast method to put China on par with the west, Chinese hardline communists criticize Deng for abandoning the Party's founding ideals and selling out China.
CNN In-Depth Specials - Visions of China - Profiles: Deng Xiaoping "Poverty is not socialism." He encouraged the creation of a market economy and capitalist-like enterprises, and by the early 1990s his reforms had helped lift an estimated 170 million peasants out of extreme poverty. ..... Born in 1904 to a prosperous landowner in a village 65 miles from Chongqing in the south-central province of Sichuan, Deng turned to revolutionary thought early, and his résumé as a Communist is almost as long as Mao Tse-tung's. ...... Deng's pragmatic ideas for economic development, however, often put him at odds with Chairman Mao, who emphasized egalitarian policies and revolutionary zeal. ....... Mao once complained that Deng treated him "like a dead ancestor" and later quipped, "Which emperor authorized that?" when Deng ordered the turnover of collective lands to individual peasants to help relieve the famines of 1959-62 that resulted from Mao's failed Great Leap Forward that began in 1958. ....... three political purges. Fellow revolutionaries ousted him in 1933, but he was back in good standing a year later. His 1966 fall from grace would last far longer. Responding to the famines induced by the Great Leap Forward during which an estimated 30 million people died, Deng proposed major reforms, such as free markets for farmers and incentive bonuses. In short order he was denounced as a "capitalist roader," held under house arrest for two years, paraded in a dunce cap through the streets of Beijing and forced to wait tables at a Communist Party school. ...... One of Deng's first reforms was to abolish Mao's rural agricultural communes and allow peasants to cultivate family plots. Grain harvests quickly increased ...... City dwellers were allowed to start small-scale businesses, ordinary Chinese were allowed to buy consumer goods, and Deng actively courted international investors.
TIME Magazine | 60 Years of Asian Heroes: Deng Xiaoping Deng has come to be linked to China's astonishing economic development, and to the steering of China away from its Leninist and Maoist organizational straitjacket into a wider world of technological growth and international trade. .......... the pragmatist, as the man who introduced a new economic dynamism with his striking phrase that it did not matter whether a cat was black or white as long as it could catch mice. ........ the nation's long-dormant entrepreneurial spirit had to be encouraged, not inhibited, and that the capitalist nature of some of the needed changes had to be openly accepted ......... there was the need to revamp the educational system, especially universities and research institutes; the military had to be streamlined and professionalized; lawyers had to be trained in the intricacies of commercial and corporate law, and be able to have cases heard in a viable and expanded judicial system; more Chinese had to be permitted to study overseas, and foreign students and tourists to come to China ......... Leading China down the capitalist path, Deng relaxed all manner of economic controls and launched Special Economic Zones—free-trade enclaves that demonstrated the prosperous potential of a liberalized economy. These initiatives helped transport millions of Chinese out of poverty in the space of just a few decades, a feat unprecedented in history; transformed China into the global manufacturing behemoth that it now is; and heralded the country's arrival on the world stage as a major geopolitical and financial player. ........ Deng could never forget that it was a Maoist vision, however flawed and ruthless, that had helped unite China after its decades of fragmentation. Mao might have pulled the nation together, but it was Deng who pushed it toward prosperity and modernity, and a future as one of the world's great powers.

Switzerland

There is also a lot of talk of Switzerland, as in Nepal should get itself a constitution like that of Switzerland. I find the direct democracy models of Switzerland not too practical for Nepal. We have a hard enough time holding free and fair elections. The low literacy rate will complicate the process further.

Politics of Switzerland - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the closest state in the world to a direct democracy. ...... The Swiss executive is one of the most stable governments worldwide. ...... Switzerland has a rich party landscape. ..... judges elected for six-year terms by the Federal Assembly ....... Although it has a diverse society, Switzerland has a stable government. ...... among the least corrupt nations. ....... Together with seven other European nations, Switzerland leads the 2005 index on Freedom of the Press ....... The energy generated in Switzerland comprises 55.2% hydroelectricity, 39.9% from nuclear power
Demographics of Switzerland Switzerland consistently ranks high on quality of life indices, including per capita income, concentration of computer and internet usage per capita, insurance coverage per individual, and health care rates. ....... 2007 7,593,500 ...... Total population was projected to stagnate in 2036 at around 8.1 million
Switzerland's Political System: Decentralisation, Federalism and..


I am all about learning from the Chinese success story. But just like Deng did not stop at Mao's teachings, the Nepali Maoists need to have the guts to go beyond Deng himself. Deng teaches good stuff on the economy. But he fails on the political front. The Nepali Maoists have the option to embrace political pluralism in an ideological way.

The Maoists did win an election. And I do intend to respect the people's verdict. They did so well electorally in Kathmandu Valley. I don't feel they bulleyed the people in the valley into voting for them.

The two biggest winners of the April 10 elections have been the Maoists and the MJF, neither of which had much of a presence in the 1990s. That shows the Nepali people were looking for new faces, new parties. The Congress and the UML got punished for their old thinking, old ways.

Law And Order

There can be no strong economy without basic law and order.

10,000 MW In 10 Years

That goal can not be achieved if the Maoists keep scaring away the foreign investors like they have. The economy losing 70,000 industrial jobs due to bad behavior by the Maoist trade unions is not how you lead the economy.

Peace Talks And The Terai

The armed Madhesi groups are a symptom that if you integrate the Royal Army, and the Maoist Army, you end up with a Pahadi Army.

What Shape Federalism?

That is where the primary contention is going to be in the constitution making process.

Transition Challenges