Constituent Assembly Election is over now. How do you see the election from economic perspective?

The Constituent Assembly election results show parties contesting on conservative economic ideologies have been rejected by voters. Nepali Congress (NC), which is considered as a party having the most liberal economic policies, dominated the polls especially in urban areas across the nation. People expressed their aspirations and exercised their power during this election so as to set the progressive course for issues that matter them the most. 

 

People filtered those parties who often take to the street to fulfill their demands but fail to deliver when they lead the government. The victory of Nepali Congress in the urban areas clearly indicated that urban voters favored liberal economy.

 

The majority of votes given to Nepali Congress reflect people's will to be led by a political party that favors social harmony and cohesion.

 

What are differences between other political forces and Nepali Congress?

In fact, business community was terrorized due to federal agenda put forth by the UCPN Maoist. Poll results might have relieved the entire business community. More than 90 per cent businessmen do not want federalism based on ethnicity because they cannot do good business amid ethnic tensions. The entire business environment would have been volatile if political parties that favor regional and ethnic agenda had won the election.  In my opinion, Nepal should continue its deep rooted social harmony and cohesion to achieve the goal of peace and prosperity.

 

So, business community wants favorable environment for business? 

In business and economy, policy stability and consistency is more important than issues of caste and region.  I believe that businessmen also want the country to be prosperous since they are also a citizen of this country. But ethnic tensions is not in favor of creating business friendly environment. A businessman from Madhesh has to do business in Pahad and vice versa. Perennial tensions among various ethnic groups will create hurdles in their business. Political parties now should raise the issue of ‘economic nationalism’ instead of creating tensions among various castes and classes. 

 

What’s your opinion about federalism after seeing the election result?

The defeat of the UCPN Maoist and regional parties shows that people approved less number of federal states. The trend of votes clearly shows that even Madhesi voters do not want ‘One Madhesh-One Province’. The Constituent Assembly should carve out federal structure based on economic and other feasibility issues. Political parties should consider economic viability and feasibility and other aspect while carving out federal structure now.

 

What immediate measures should the new government take to revive economy?

There are some pertaining issues the new government should adopt immediately to revive country’s economy. I favor national consensus government should be formed for political stability. New government should focus on power generation to boost the production since the overall productivity of the country has been affected due to power deficit.  Along with that, new government should immediately forward some bills and acts related to economy including BAAFIA, Electricity Act, and Industrial Act among others while adopting special measures to attract more foreign direct investment.