Responsibilities of the Interim Government: A Brief Analysis

Responsibilities of the Interim Government: A Brief Analysis

Dr. Khimlal Devkota

Member of the Constituent Assembly and Senior Advocate

 

Introduction

The rapid rise of the social media-based student/youth movement (Gen-Z) triggered a political crisis. Dozens of lives were lost and billions of rupees were destroyed, followed by the resignation of the Prime Minister and the dissolution of Parliament, leading to the formation of an interim government led by Sushila Karki. The current interim government was given the responsibility of holding elections on Falgun 21 by the President at the time of its appointment. The purpose of this article is to discuss the responsibilities of the government formed with such an important responsibility.

Reasons for the formation of the interim government and context

This government was formed as a protest against the ban on social media and the prevailing corruption and misrule. The movement of the Gen-Z generation was limited to only demanding that the government take reliable steps to unblock social media and reduce corruption, and maintain good governance. But Gen-Z's movement got out of control. The program, organized for a general demonstration, reached the level of breaking the restricted area. The movement did not stop there and entered the Baneshwor International Conference Center, which houses the Parliament building. Then the troops deployed to protect the Parliament opened fire and killed unarmed youths. Then the situation became terrible and explosive. Assessing the situation and taking moral responsibility, the Home Minister resigned, but the Prime Minister did not take this incident seriously. Even in the jointly organized cabinet meeting, no steps were taken to address Gen-Z's demands. The situation became even more volatile when news came out that the ban on social media would be maintained and the Prime Minister would not take any responsibility. Around midnight, the decision to lift the ban on social media was made, but the situation did not come under control, and became more agitated. The Prime Minister urged his youth team to resist overnight, and the news came out, but the UML-supported youth concluded that they were not in a position to resist, which made the situation even more uncontrollable. When the heads of the security agencies talked about the Prime Minister's resignation, they were instead criticized. The longer the Prime Minister's resignation was delayed, the more the situation escalated. In the end, the Prime Minister's resignation could not prevent further loss of life and property, but even the Prime Minister's life was saved. When he returned from almost a week of isolation, Sushila Karki's government had been established in the country. In fact, this government was informally formed with the protection and support of the right parties, the President, domestic and foreign people, and mainly the army. An attempt has been made to discuss the responsibilities of this government.

Practical evaluation of the primary steps taken by the interim government

Public peace and security, and continuity of governance were given first priority. The interim government first prioritized preventing chaos, ensuring continuity of public services, and running administrative bodies. Such steps are among the normal tasks of the interim government. In particular, it started its work by investigating the loss of public and property during the movement and taking action against the guilty, and by forming a commission to investigate property with good governance as the focus in the context of the old government's collapse and the new government's arrival as an outcry against corruption. This government also followed the common practice of most transitional governments. It was preferable to do so, which was completely appropriate, and the practical assessment of this government's work can be made.

As a second step, it pressured the Election Commission to publish the election schedule. The interim government has also fulfilled its obligation to increase coordination with the Commission for election purposes. The government has not been able to initiate dialogue with the main political parties involved in the election, but has continued to make statements that irritate the parties. But the door to dialogue opened by the President has been blocked at Baluwatar. Now, Baluwatar is seen preparing for dialogue, including Gen-Z. It can be said that it has not deteriorated much so far.

As a third step, the government, which could not fulfill its obligations, took the unpopular step of recalling the ambassadors, and in order to add fuel to the fire, it entered various offices in the name of Gen-Z and pressured him to resign. The fact that the leaders of the pressure campaign were often fugitives became an embarrassing event for the government.

As a fourth step, a natural disaster occurred, and because the government was able to deal with the disaster efficiently, it was not able to gain constitutional legitimacy and political support, but it did gain the support of the people. Since it was able to give a sense of the government during the disaster, it has caused some embarrassment to those who questioned the legitimacy of the government.

As a fifth step, foreign influence in the selection of ministers, the influence of the Free Trade Movement, and the blessings of the South and the West were clearly visible, which is not beneficial for this government. The Dalai Lama's farewell message can be said to have made this government work like a speed breaker.

Risk and Challenge Analysis

The legitimacy crisis is both an unbearable risk and a challenge for this government. Since the interim government did not come from an elected mandate, its decision-making capacity is questionable. Not only are the political parties in power for decades calling it unconstitutional as an opposition, but dozens of challenges have also been registered in the Supreme Court, which threatens to affect the long-term legitimacy of the regime. Apart from the immediate emergency, the argument for giving legitimacy to this government itself It is necessary to create an environment of trust.

Fourth, it is necessary to maintain the necessary coordination by considering the sensitivity of social media and freedom of expression. Such matters should be managed through a legal and coordinated consensus mechanism.

Fifth, it is necessary to prioritize respect for human rights and the rule of law while maintaining peace, security, and social harmony. Therefore, if it is not possible to ensure that human rights and the law are not violated while managing security, pressure from both the opposition and international powers will increase. It is necessary to pay attention to this.

Conclusion:

Although the interim government is temporary, it has been an opportunity to confirm that it can play a decisive role in crisis management, political guidance, and the reconstruction of democracy in the country's critical moment. All interim governments formed in Nepal after 2036, 2046, or 2062.63 have a history of successfully fulfilling their roles. Similarly, in the context of the successful completion of the election by the Chief Justice-led government for the next Constituent Assembly election, this interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is also not exempt from failure. Still, it will have to exercise discretion and control anger and passion, keeping in mind the sensitivity. The interim government must maintain public peace and order on the scheduled date for the election, but this process must be transparent, inclusive and constitutional on the basis of consensus. Dialogue and the independence of constitutional institutions have presented a successful example of crisis and transition management, while interference in the security forces, constitutional and institutional failures and repression have created a long-term crisis. Therefore, Nepal needs to commit to following the lessons of success and not forgetting the failed experiences.