The editor of the Mercurius Politicus, Marchamont Nedham published his continue editorial serial about the democracy since September 1651 to August 1652 on his newspaper. The serial of his editorial is also known as edifice of the modern democracy. He was arrested and released many times for his contribution on democracy. He went jail for opposing king Charles. He suddenly changed his line two years before king Charles was beheaded and opposed Cromwell by supporting the king. Again he took the parliamentarian line and opposed monarchy.
Nepalese politicians advocate British unwritten constitution, constitutional monarchy for the model of modern democracy during their opinion for contemporary Nepalese political debate. It is not possible to establish the British model that established by 17th century’s battle between parliamentarian and monarchy, in Nepal without following the contemporary British civil war by politicians and press who advocated that.
Britain was republic for 11 years in 17th century. Cromwell had refused the requested to become a king. There is very deep relation among monarchy, politics and power. The main source of the power of the state is ‘army’. The political power, which has the army control, is always heavier. Currently king’s political power seems heavier because he holds the control of royal army. Appointment of the prime minister with his own will and still endeavour to appoint prime minister with the voice that he has the entire power to appoint hot with any ones’ recommendation is an obvious example. It is contradictory to say constitutional monarchy like British king without army power for the army chief Nepalese king.
Contemporary Nepalese journalists have to struggle more than the 17th century British journalists did. The pens of the bloody injured journalists are more sharpening. Martyr journalists’ memory makes more anger. The journalists who used to advocate constitutional monarchy until some time ago also are expressing the view to make a plan to take burden for a republic in near future.
Powerful politicians don’t bother to intimidate on press because they feel hostile when the media society works for the public. Form Nedham of the 17th century to Morgan, the editor of the Mirror did not surrender before the gun power. Nepalese proud journalists are also not frightened to stand on public side.
Another political power of Nepal is also ornamented with army power although the king is not on lack of army power. We are forced to accept that the positive result os present public demonstration would have gone far if there were not the political power adornment with army ornament. The power struggle is in position that the power is not less than on balance although it is not possible to predict before the result comes out.
Gun should be guided by pen not the pen by gun. The pen of the information era should endeavour to minimise the loses on making result on public favour. Present requirement is to find out an alternative way that power loser could expect some chances to save his power and power winner can see progressive result. Its better to wait god’s gift, if people do not achieve the goal even after getting the chance to achieve own power. Those who work for people should believe on public decision and relay on that. The logic is not acceptable that the constitutional assembly, which was perfect to enact American and Indian constitution is not relevant for Nepal; nevertheless, the chances to make constitution with constitutional assembly have been lost.
Present Nepalese political situation is webbed in triangle. The first one absolute monarchy in 21st century, another reestablishment of the constitutional monarchy under the 2047 constitution and the third angle heading for republic through the constitutional assembly or any other means. Deciding vote is with the political groups who want to re-establish constitutional monarchy under the 2047 constitutional for battle between absolute monarchy and republic Nepal on present politics. The present political balanced situation is in position that the party that wins the groups support will have their say.
The leaders who want to reactivate the 2047 constitution are not free to decide slogan to drive contemporary demonstration. Young students are refusing to participate demonstration, without republic slogans to chant. The demonstration driver leaders, who want to reactivate 2047 constitution, are forced to favour on republic whether reluctantly or intentionally because king gave up to believe them and they would be helpless if they leave the public alliance.
The parliament, one of the three powers of the government is lifeless. Executive is on deathbed because of lack of suitable person for the prime minister, judiciary is handicapped with lack of active constitution.
The press, fourth limb of the state is active to re-establish and activate the power of the government. But, not handicapped, unproductive and corrupt parliament but it is struggling for progressive regime system. Present Nepalese press should struggle following the press actions and republic in 17th century in Britain.
Press workers would be legend if they follow the Nedham’s footsteps who worked against parliament when parliamentarians were corrupt and against the monarchy when it was dictator.
(The author is an advocate presently studying in London)
Original copy of this article was published in Nepali vernacular in the Kantipur Daily, Kathmandu on May 19, 2004,
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