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Maoists debate Nepal political structure

KATHMANDU: There is a debate raging in the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) whether to convert Nepal into a “people’s republic” or continue to be a “federal democratic republic.”

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), also party chairman, has presented a political report that supports the “federal democratic republic” model till the new Constitution is drafted. However, party hardliner Mohan Baidya ‘Kiran’ is calling for a “people’s republic.”

The central committee meeting, which began on Monday and which was scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, will meet again to Thursday for further discussions.

Mr. Prachanda has the support of colleague Baburam Bhattarai, who is the Finance Minister and Barsha Man Pun. Mr. Kiran has the support of party’s foreign affairs chief C.P. Gajurel and Law Minister Dev Gurung.

“Our ultimate goal is to establish People’s Republic,” Mr. Gurung had earlier said. Mr. Prachanda’s supporters have said it would not be wise to immediately adopt a “people’s republic.” Mr. Prachanda, in his paper, has also listed the option of “transitional republic”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Upendra Yadav, who heads the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, on Wednesday, said it would be impossible to establish a “people’s republic.”

“This is the democratic era and a people’s republic cannot materialise,” he said. Separately, Mr. Yadav has said Nepal needs to create an environment to encourage foreign investment.

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