A strong impression of Kathmandu is its speeding traffic in narrow lanes sans traffic lights. Yet, in the midst of the chaotic traffic there is some form of accepted order and definitely a remarkable sense of respect for each others space, which in part explains the lack of road rage and horn-blowing traffic. One would imagine that in the hustle and bustle of speeding two wheelers, four wheelers and pedestrians - all sharing a narrow space - there would be a race for domineering presence; but that is not the case. You find all these different actors all co-existing together and sharing respectfully the limited space before them. It’s no wonder that there are not as many accidents in these lanes as one would assume. At the fag end of the day, it indeed reflects the nature of how one negotiates the space available before you while respecting the rights of those with whom you share the space.
Considering the historical experience of the people of Nepal as a country of diverse groups of people; sometimes referred to as a country of minorities, one would suppose the presence of a constant process of negotiations and public dialogue among themselves. In a country where the minority makes up the majority and one in which the largest majority group makes up for 17% of the population, the question of power sharing and decentralization of power would be fundamental for their peaceful existence. The failed attempt of 40 years of monarchy to homogenize the ‘kingdom’ only fuelled the consciousness of the people, which caused realization to assert for the restoration of democracy and the demand for affirmation action by historically marginalized groups.
Just as they have mastered the art to respectfully negotiate traffic in limited space, history has once again called upon the people of Nepal to master the art of negotiating space, which involves power sharing and developing a constitution that is inclusive and will address the question of equal and quality development in the land of minorities. Unlike many post-colonial independent countries who inherited a strong colonial legacy reflected in their constitutions, Nepal has a unique opportunity to create a constitution, unlike any other, which will enable them to move away from state-centric ideologies towards a more encompassing ‘nation’ emphasized values enshrined in its constitution. If Nepal succeeds, it would truly be one of the rare cases where the will of the people remains paramount.
Considering the historical experience that many a revolutions ceased to be revolutionary once they attained power, it would take enormous political will and diplomatic astuteness for those given the responsibility to lead Nepal to negotiate their way around internal and external conditions to create a structure, which reflects the aspiration of the people. The bilateral agreement between the transitional government and the Maoist to jointly form an interim government is distinctively unprecedented and perhaps in many ways provides the best opportunity to transform the political conflict. Nonetheless, to truly establish a process that would lead to human security and sustainable peace, they will together have to work their way around engaging with state-centric paradigms; which will invariably depend on the democratic nature of their system. The question is what kind of democracy do they desire? This question inevitably leads to the art of negotiating space.
