President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has expressed his pleasure over the political developments taking place in the country that have provided optimism for the timely promulgation of the constitution and conclusion of the ongoing peace process at the earliest. At a meeting and discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in his office the other day, President Dr. Yadav asked the prime minister to take the initiative to form a national unity government prior to the promulgation of the new constitution. President Yadav is right in his suggestion because unity among the political parties is a must to complete the ongoing political process. The country at present is in political transition and uncertainty in the absence of unity and collaboration among the political parties, in general, and the three major political forces, in particular. The political instability has also hindered the socio-economic development of the country. It would be next to impossible to any development without sustained peace and stable democracy in the country. The political forces, therefore, must work together and make genuine contribution to accomplishing the two national tasks of writing the constitution and concluding the ongoing peace process.

At this difficult juncture in Nepal’s history, all the political forces and people, irrespective of their political ideology, must demonstrate a sense of unity not in words but in action to resolve the political deadlock and achieve the national goal of sustainable peace. Although the political parties and leaders have been talking of national consensus, their actions are proving a major roadblock to building the much-required consensus. The arrogance and partisan agenda of the political parties have already delayed many works that are associated with the peace process. Constitution writing and the peace process are closely linked with one another and both the tasks must be accomplished simultaneously.

Against this background, the political parties need to work sincerely to arrive at a middle ground so that the constitution writing process can be expedited. The task can be completed only when the contentious issues are resolved by the parties through mutual consultation and dialogue. This alone would pave the way for the conclusion of the peace process and establish permanent and sustainable peace in the country. This can be accomplished only when the parties translate their commitment into action by forming a national unity government.