KATHMANDU: The major opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), along with other opposition groups, has leveled five serious allegations against the Congress-UML-led coalition government.
In a statement released after a meeting held at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor on Friday, the opposition accused the government of various misconducts.
The opposition parties expressed concern over the government’s plan to amend the constitution to increase the electoral threshold to 5%, claiming it could lead to a two-party authoritarian rule.
“The constitution does not envision a two-party dictatorship in any form. However, the repeated attempts to pass ordinances to sustain power and divide opposition parties reflect a dangerous and autocratic approach that threatens the democratic achievements of the Nepali people,” the statement said,”The beauty of democracy lies in respecting differing opinions and diversity. We oppose the government’s actions aimed at creating autocracy, arbitrariness, and dictatorship under various pretexts.”
Key allegations raised by the opposition:
1. The government is accused of issuing ordinances to enact critical laws without convening the regular winter session of the federal parliament or recalling pending bills under committee discussion. This move, according to the opposition, undermines constitutional principles and parliamentary practices.
2. The opposition has alleged that the government has halted anti-corruption initiatives and protected those involved in corruption scandals. Cases such as the Bhutanese refugee scam and mismanagement of public land, including Bal Mandir and Scouts properties, were shelved. Political interference was also said to have increased in institutions like Nepal Electricity Authority.
3. The proposal to raise the electoral threshold to 5% is criticized as a step toward suppressing diversity and establishing a two-party system, which the opposition claims contradicts constitutional values of pluralism.
4. The opposition has highlighted the stalled processes of forming the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission on the Investigation of Enforced Disappearances, urging the government to expedite justice for conflict victims.
5. The opposition has criticized the ruling coalition for abusing its parliamentary majority to manipulate state mechanisms, sideline the parliament, and pass biased political decisions. It warned that such practices could jeopardize democracy and the rule of law.
The opposition demanded the immediate commencement of the winter parliamentary session. If the government fails to address their concerns, they warned of launching strong protests to counter what they described as arbitrary and anti-people activities.
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