Ram Baran Yadav, the country’s first president, has said that President Ram Chandra Paudel followed the Constitution to find a way out in the new circumstances that emerged after last week’s Gen Z youth movement.
Speaking briefly with Setopati on Friday regarding Constitution Day and the recent political developments in the country, former president Yadav said, "Despite major political upheavals, the Constitution has not been completely damaged. The responsibility of safeguarding the Constitution and promoting national unity lies with the president. He found a way out through the Constitution itself."
"The path chosen by the president is constitutional. The government has also been formed in a constitutional manner. The prime minister has taken the oath from the president. The Supreme Court also exists. Now, the government must work in accordance with the rules and law," he said. "Once the elections are held within six months, all confusion will be cleared, and the Constitution will be back on track," Yadav said.
He also said that he would not delve into whether the entire process is constitutional or not.
"As a political figure, it is not for me to say whether this process is constitutional or not. This is a matter for the court," the former president said. "I will only say this: the president has provided a way our of this situation through the Constitution itself."
Yadav emphasized that the interim prime minister should coordinate with the president in the functioning of the government in the coming days.
"We are on the legal path where the prime minister consults with the president," he said. "This must be followed in the days ahead as well."
He stressed that the government should move forward with zero tolerance for corruption, good governance, and ensuring public access to education, employment, and healthcare in line with the aspirations of the youth.
"The younger generation has protested. They must participate in democracy by becoming representatives through the people’s mandate. The government has also announced elections for the House of Representatives for March 5. We can move forward through this very Constitution. If there are any issues, they can be gradually amended," he said.
He noted that the Constitution, achieved through eight decades of struggle, ensures a democratic, inclusive, and proportional system.
"Two elections have already been held under this Constitution. Due to the weaknesses of the government and security forces, a massacre occurred during the protests on September 8. No amount of condemnation is enough for that," he said. "Some have claimed there was infiltration; this must be thoroughly investigated and the truth brought to light."
Yadav said that the arson and vandalism at the Supreme Court, Singha Durbar, and the homes of leaders have struck at the economic backbone and democracy.
"Those elements that attacked the economic backbone and democracy must be identified and punished. The government should also investigate properly and bring everything before the public," he said.
He said that all political parties and Gen Z should patiently support the government led by Sushila Karki.
"We should go to the elections maintaining national unity, and representatives should be elected with the people's votes," he said, "The Constitution can be amended over time based on the people’s mandate."
He emphasized that the current government should also move forward inclusively.
"There isn’t much time; elections are to be held in six months. The government must include everyone. National unity must be demonstrated. Everyone must come together to save the Constitution," he said. "Let us walk the path of democracy."
President Paudel appointed former chief justice Sushila Karki as prime minister on September 12. Although the Constitution provides for government formation under Article 76, the president appointed the prime minister under Article 61 after consultations with political parties.
On September 13, President Paudel issued a statement noting that "a peaceful way out was found after difficult efforts."
He urged political parties to "make good use of the hard-earned opportunity, win the trust of the people, exercise restraint, and help conduct the elections on March 5."
