The Maoist leadership has repeatedly said that absolutism too would be acceptable if it was created by a constituent assembly. It has also clarified that its concept of a multiparty system is not the same as that found in western democracies but would consist of multiple parties within a socialist republic that followed the Prachanda line. I do not know if the seven-party alliance has the same understanding of a multiparty system. If the Maoists and the SPA have a different understanding of such a system, it could hinder delivery of their 12-point agreement. I don't understand why the common people of Nepal are required to risk the absolutism that could result from a constituent assembly elected by themselves. I would still think it possible to draft a fully democratic constitution acceptable to the Maoists and SPA and then hold a national referendum to ratify it.

Ravi Manandhar