Dear Editor,
The three months rule (after the passage of a no confidence motion) for an election expires today. But the country is no closer to an election now than it was on March 21. No incumbent wants to lose an election. The government is not prepared to call an election anytime soon fearing fraud or that it could lose. And the opposition wants an election now confident it can win; some in the opposition also fear fraud is also possible. Victory is not guaranteed for either side regardless of when it is called. What the country needs is a solution in which both sides are winners and that eliminates the need to engage in fraud or rigging. Such a solution is possible allowing for elections to be held within three months and in which there can be lasting peace and stability.
Both sides can be winners instead of only one side winning and governing alone. Power sharing is the solution. Both major forces should agree to a formula in which all parties winning seats to the parliament are included in government formation. Ministries and all government positions are shared on a proportion of votes received. The top two positions (president and vice President/Prime Minister) would be given to the two largest winners and rotated every six months (leader of each party or a designee). The formula should also include some kind of arrangement for rotation of critical ministries like finance, security, energy, and infrastructure, among others. In this way, power is shared and both major parties and the minor parties and their constituents feel they are part of the government. Every group is a beneficiary and gets a fair share of resources.
Such a proposal will address the main reason why an election is not called – both major parties will now be running the government.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
