People's Democracy

Joint Statement of Nepal’s Five Political Parties

Following is the joint statement issued by five major political parties in Nepal on February 26, 2005.  It was signed by Bal Bahadur Rai (Nepali Congress), Jhala Nath Khanal (Nepal Communist Party - UML), Bijay Kumar Gachhedar (Nepali Congress - D), Chitra Bahadurale (Janmorcha Nepal) and Bharat Bimal Yadav (Nepal Sadvabana Party - Anandi Devi).

AT a time when the nation was looking for dialogue and national consensus for peace, democracy, and progressive reforms, we were shocked by the Royal Proclamation of February 1, 2005 and subsequent regressive actions, which came as a climax to the regressive Act of October 2002. This unconstitutional and autocratic act of the King is a gross violation of the democratic rights of the people and their right to be ruled by their own representatives. As a result, the country is now under a regime which is totally devoid of transparency and accountability. In our considered opinion, this will accentuate the violent conflict, and further disturb peace and national unity. No problem can be addressed without democracy. Democracy is the pre-requisite for peace. Therefore, we strongly denounce the royal step which will lead to further national crisis. And we appeal to all political parties, popular forces and general masses to unitedly participate and support a peaceful movement which will oppose the King’s unconstitutional and autocratic action, with the objective of establishing peace, ensuring sovereign rights of the people and initiating progressive reforms.

In this context, we demand the withdrawal of the February 1, Royal Proclamation, immediate lifting of emergency, removal of all unconstitutional restrictions on fundamental rights, and release of all detainees in order to establish a democratic government of peoples’ representatives. All acts of violence and terror must come to an end. No problem will be solved with such methods. We reiterate our continuing stand that the problem of violent conflict in the country can be solved and peace restored, only through meaningful dialogue. To mobilise strong public opinion in support of the above-mentioned demands, we announce the following programs:

• A joint nationwide peaceful protest program on March 8, 2005. International Women Workers Day will be observed by all the parties and affiliated organistions, including in the Kathmandu Valley.

• Similar protest programme on March 14

• Joint program at district level with necessary coordination

• Separate programs by individual parties in support of the joint program

We heartily appeal to all peace and democracy loving people through out the world to support and express solidarity to the anti-autocracy and just struggle of the Nepali people.