Indispensable cooperation between both houses of the federal parliament

Both houses should view their inherent equational differences not as complications, but as opportunities for cooperation. They should join hands to overcome the country's fundamental problems. Only in this way will the dignity of the federal parliament increase.

Falgun 27, 2082

Editorial

Indispensable cooperation between both houses of the federal parliament

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As the RSP is gaining around two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, the balance of power between the old parties has also changed in the upper house, the National Assembly. Independent in their respective roles but interconnected in most of their work, both houses are currently in the spotlight.

Especially since it is certain that the RSP will have a large presence in the House of Representatives, it is being assessed whether amicable relations will be established between these two houses or whether there will be a clash. After some time, a person can become a member of the National Assembly after being recommended by the RSP government and nominated by the President, but so far the RSP is not present in the National Assembly. Both houses should view the inherent differences in the equation as an opportunity for cooperation, not as a complication. They should join hands to overcome the country's fundamental problems. Only in this way will the dignity of the federal parliament increase.

Of the 18 vacancies in the National Assembly that recently closed due to the completion of their terms, 17 have been filled. The 17 people elected on 11 Magh took oath on Monday. Now one will be nominated by the President. Elections will be held later for additional posts that have become vacant due to death. The Congress has now become the largest party in the National Assembly with 24 MPs. The CPN is the second with 17 MPs, and the UML is the third with 10 MPs. There are 3 members from JSP Nepal, 1 from Rastriya Janamorcha, and 2 nominated members (including the National Assembly Speaker) in the assembly. While the Rashtriya Janamorcha holds about two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, the old party dominates the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives is basically known for its combative nature. MPs are represented in the House of Representatives by winning the trust of the people and representing their hopes. They come face to face with the daily problems of the people, trying to make them the agenda of the House. Some agendas or bills may also be passed in the same way. The House of Representatives is also a house that witnesses the power struggles firsthand. That too can have an impact on the decisions made by this house.

On the other hand, the National Assembly is considered a mature house. It is known as a house of brainstorming. That is why, while 25 years is enough to become a member of the House of Representatives, 35 years is enough to become a member of the National Assembly. Perhaps this system was adopted guided by the belief that the older the age, the more study, experience, and analytical ability one has. The conclusion is that it is the responsibility of the National Assembly to make the decisions taken by the House of Representatives in various ways objective and more mature.

With the powerful majority in the House of Representatives, there is an obligation to work quickly and give results. They prefer to make quick decisions so that the public scrutiny on them does not turn into disappointment. The House of Representatives may be trying to identify with the pace of the government in particular. The National Assembly should examine hasty decisions. It should give conclusions by linking them to various aspects such as our political struggle, provisions of the Constitution, long-term national interests, diplomatic relations, community sensitivity, religious sensitivity.

Since the representation of members in the National Assembly is done on a provincial basis, it has an additional responsibility towards federalism. Being the voice of minorities and marginalized communities is a fundamental responsibility of the House. It is not that immature decisions are always taken by the House of Representatives, but the National Assembly is responsible for making every issue that comes from there more mature. That is also the justification for the provision of two houses in the constitution.

The National Assembly should also play a role in institutional balance. Its main role should be to realize the new reality of the House of Representatives and support the government's momentum. Because both the current House of Representatives and the government are institutions that carry the latest aspirations and trust of the people. Because the people have given a large number of seats to a single party. They have kept the traditional parties as witnesses for the upcoming House of Representatives and the government.

The election of 21 Falgun has made it clear that the people not only want a change in character, but also in the working style. Therefore, if the National Assembly starts to disobey the decisions of the House of Representatives without establishing public justification, it is considered to have indirectly disobeyed the aspirations of the people. Overall, it should not conflict with the House of Representatives, but play a balanced role in a restrained manner. 

The old parties should not make the mistake of showing the National Assembly the blow of their defeat in the House of Representatives elections. That can further damage them. It also involves the people in unnecessary political debates. Therefore, the old parties should have a constructive role. On the other hand, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has emerged as a powerful party in the House of Representatives, should also think about taking advantage of their experience, not by breaking away from the old parties.

Many people are sensitive to the constitutional amendment, the political system and organs formed according to this constitution, and the socio-political-administrative achievements achieved through past political struggles. Adequate dialogue should be held before using them. By being interested only in exercising power, the country has lost many possibilities for progress in the past. The political course now should not be to complicate the situation, but to derive all-round benefits through collective efforts. That will happen through the cooperation of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

 

Editorial

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