Prachanda reiterates directly elected prez and proportional electoral system

Kathmandu, September 21 — Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', stated that if there is to be a constitutional amendment, they will push forward the agenda of a directly elected president and a fully proportional electoral system.

Addressing a political ideological training organized by the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) in Kathmandu today, Prachanda emphasized that if constitutional amendments are to be made, these agendas must be included.

Prachanda commented that the rights gained by the people through the constitution are being snatched away by opportunistic capitalists, bureaucrats, and mafias, adding that attempts are currently being made to undermine the rights of the people in the name of so-called constitutional amendments.

 "As the current constitution is part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), any attempt to amend it without the consent of the Maoists, who are a signatory to the peace agreement, can only be regarded as deceit and betrayal," he said. "Those who try to amend the constitution without our agreement have neither political nor moral authority."

However, he clarified that if they genuinely seek to raise the agenda of constitutional amendment with integrity, they are ready for it. "If we want to progress, the Maoist Centre currently has the greatest need for constitutional amendment," he stated. "Our agenda when drafting the constitution was clearly for a directly elected executive president and a fully proportional electoral system, but since Congress and UML do not agree, we have noted that we will take this issue to the streets any day." He affirmed that they will move forward with this agenda.

He pointed out the necessity of a directly elected executive president and a fully proportional electoral system. "The increasing political corruption we see today is due to the current electoral system," Prachanda noted. "The situation where one has to spend millions to win an election at the local level, tens of millions at the provincial level, and fifty million at the federal level leads to representatives focusing more on recovering their election expenses through corruption rather than serving the people. Therefore, our position is that to eliminate the roots of corruption, we must change the electoral system to make it fully proportional."

He expressed that the current situation of spending millions to become a Member of Parliament and then scrambling to become ministers must end, advocating for a system where a directly elected president forms the cabinet, allowing MPs to focus solely on law-making and not aspiring to be ministers, as a way to curb corruption in the country.

Prachanda emphasized that their main issue is controlling corruption, noting that their withdrawal from the government stemmed from the need to take such initiatives. He clarified that the people have begun to trust the Maoist Centre precisely because they have consistently campaigned against corruption, even while in government.

 Prachanda pointed out that typically, when parties withdraw from government, public sentiment is one of disappointment, but this time there is enthusiasm among the people, and a nationwide wave of support is emerging, adding, "The people clearly understand that our government was toppled to protect corrupt individuals."

"The Maoists have been given another opportunity. I have renewed my commitment to a new movement," he asserted. "This movement will advance with the support of the working class, farmers, youth, women, indigenous peoples, Dalits, and Madheshis."

Prachanda mentioned that as part of his nationwide tour, he has initiated a 'Morning Walk' campaign, which is not just a physical activity but also a call to the people that Maoists have arrived. He indicated that the party is returning to its commitment with a clear resolve, stating, "We are a party of thousands of activists forged through the experiences of war and peace, with millions of workers organized. If we can transform ourselves, we will be able to fulfill the mandate of revolution. We are preparing for a qualitative meeting of the central committee, from which we will advance programmatically."

He expressed his commitment to addressing labor demands, including 10% representation for workers in party leadership, a minimum wage increase, amendments to labor laws, effective social security programs, and cost-of-living allowances, affirming that these demands from labor organizations are legitimate and will be addressed by the party. He emphasized that the party's call for good governance, social justice, and prosperity is a preparation for a socialist revolution, asserting that only a socialist revolution can protect the interests of the working class and farmers.