President Dr Ram Baran Yadav has once again called for a broad national unity and consensus to accomplish the main political task of promulgating a new constitution by May 27. The President made a fervent call in the presence of top brass of the main political parties of the country in the presidential office at Shital Niwas just two days prior to expiry of the Constituent Assembly and asked the leaders to be united and cooperate with one another for peace, stability, development and democracy in the country. As observed by the President there is no alternative to promulgating the new constitution in order to avert the possible constitutional and political crisis in the country, for which unity and consensus among at least four major political forces of the country is a must.

Peace is the overriding concern of all the people for which a new constitution must be promulgated within the deadline. But the political parties did not appear serious in their responsibilities mandated by the people and the country did not get a new constitution in four years even though the parties had earlier promised to complete the task of writing the constitution in two years. This is an utter failure of the parties and their leaders. As the country is passing through a prolonged transition, all political forces must work together and make their genuine contribution to accomplishing the national tasks so that the country would witness peace and stability.

It is now high time that political forces and people, irrespective of their political ideologies, must demonstrate a sense of unity not in words but in action to resolve the political problems and achieve the national goal of sustainable peace and development. Although the political parties and leaders have been talking of national consensus, they do not appear committed to their own words and promises for forging a national consensus. The arrogance and partisan agenda of our political parties have already delayed many works that are associated with constitution writing. Against this background, the political parties, as observed by President Yadav, need to shun partisan agenda and work sincerely to arrive at a common ground for the greater cause of the people and the country.

Peace and stability are a must, which can be ensured only when the constitution is written and promulgated in time. But we have only a few hours left to accomplish this task and our parties and leaders are expected to exhibit maximum flexibility and wisdom at this crucial juncture. Let us hope that the country would be saved from sliding into another round of crisis and conflict.