The May 17 unification between the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Center) has resulted in the formation of a behemoth of a ruling party, which commands a near two-thirds majority in the federal parliament, and heads six of the seven provincial governments. Never before has a political party so completely dominated national polity. Understandably, the formation of Nepal Communist Party has generated a lot of hope. Economists blame the post-1990 political instability as a major hurdle to the country’s development and to the economic empowerment of its people. The hope now is that prosperity will follow a stable polity.

 

Yet there are fears. Some reckon the ruling party could curtail democratic freedoms and cow opposing voices. Political commentator Krishna Khanal says the rationale for the left merger is their leaders’ desire to “maintain a strangle-hold on power”. Nilamber Acharya, another political analyst, is more sanguine. He thinks the unity will end the unhealthy competition among the political parties to get into government.

 

The ‘non-inclusive’ nature of the new party hierarchy has also come under criticism. “The authoritarian tendencies it has displayed in its short existence could ultimately fuel secessionism in parts of Nepal,” Madhesi journalist Rajesh Ahiraj cautions.

 

The success of the new Nepal Communist Party will ultimate depend on its actions, and not on what the prime minister says he will do. One of its biggest challenges will be to convince detractors that what the left leaders are aiming for is not a monolithic ‘communist utopia’ but a flourishing society that respects diversity and protects democratic freedoms.  

 

Full Story on Sunday..