Himal Press 
KP Sharma Oli is set to be appointed as the new Prime Minister. CPN-UML Chairperson is poised to become Prime Minister for the third time with the support of Nepali Congress (NC) with constitutional amendment as the main agenda. Kiran Paudel of Himal Press talked to UML Deputy General Secretary Bishnu Rimal to know the reasons behind the NC-UML coalition, UML’s future plans, strategies and related issues. Excerpts:
What necessitated the alliance between Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML?
We have joined hands for political stability. Issues that were seen as achievements in the past are becoming our challenges today. We need to turn these challenges back into achievements.
Our constitution envisions three tiers of government. While the central and local governments are strong, the provincial level has become weak. We also need to reform our proportional representation system. There is a perception that members of parliament elected through a proportional system are inferior. This needs to be addressed by amending the constitution. We need a system that works for everyone. There are also allegations of money being paid to get elected through a proportional system. The NC-UML alliance aims to address these issues.
Why was there a need to form a new government instead of continuing support for the government that you formed?
We were expecting that the previous government led by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal would deliver. But it failed to deliver. Historically, Dahal-led governments have not been effective. In the first Constituent Assembly, despite having a near majority, Maoists could not deliver a constitution. It was only when NC and UML came together that the constitution was finally promulgated. Now we need to implement it. The constitution amendment will become possible only if NC and UML join hands.
Is an amendment to the constitution possible without the support of the Maoist Center?
The Maoists are currently aggressive about losing power. They are saying that the constitution should not be amended. But the constitution is a dynamic document. It needs to be amended to avoid becoming tyrannical. We believe the Maoists and others will eventually join this process, as deep down, they know amendments are necessary.
There is currently a loss of public trust in political parties and questions have been raised on democracy. The new government must address these issues and restore faith in political parties and democracy.
What can people expect from UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli’s fourth term as Prime Minister?
There is currently a loss of public trust in political parties and questions have been raised on democracy. The new government must address these issues and restore faith in political parties and democracy. It should learn from past mistakes and focus on delivering results. This is not an ordinary government. Also, it is not a coalition that will keep changing. It is formed to bring about real change and results.
You said this is not an ordinary government. Can you elaborate?
Historically, NC-UML coalitions have been formed only in special circumstances – like in 1990 to overthrow the Panchayat system, during the second people’s movement, or during constitution drafting in 2015. Even when we were competitors, we collaborated on crucial national issues. So this government is not ordinary. It needs to take the country and people’s needs seriously and deliver results.
Oli seems less enthusiastic this time. Why do you think?
Those who think deeply about the country and its people still have hope and enthusiasm for this government. Only those who analyze superficially might feel disappointed.
How will you ensure ministers perform better this time, given past issues?
Parties need to be careful while selecting ministers. They should choose individuals who understand the country and state affairs, not just to fill quotas. Weak ministers can be dominated by bureaucracy. Both the Prime Minister and ministers need to be competent. The coalition partners have understood this. Ministers should be able to deal with and lead effectively. Parties should send their best people as ministers.
