Suggestions on caretaker government

I feel constrained to make some comments in this respect. The government has shown reluctance to accept the demand of the opposition to reform the existing caretaker system. When this system has been criticised and questions of neutrality have been raised, we think it should be changed. Change is the law of nature. Our caretaker government system had been a unique example in the whole world. But it should be flexible. The guideline the opposition has placed, to speak the truth, is not clear to the nation and common people. The salient point that has emerged through their proposal seems to be a little bit absurd. To find out an absolutely neutral person is really difficult. Again, the party which will not be voted to power will raise the question of neutrality whatever system of caretaker government is adopted. But election must be held under a caretaker government in any case. So, change is a must in the form of caretaker government.

The politicians belonging to both the government and the opposition may think over the following suggestions.

1.A new cabinet could be formed comprising of thirty-five advisors. Ten advisors from the ruling party, ten from main opposition, five from small political parties according to their representation in the national assembly and contribution to the nation and ten from retired judges, businessmen, bureaucrats and other professionals.

2. The portfolio of the ministries should be distributed according to the ability and background of the advisors except the home ministry. The home ministry should be under the jurisdiction of the Chief Advisor.

3.The immediate past chief justice or a famous educationist must be the chief of the caretaker government. He/she will enjoy the power and status of the Prime Minister. The president will act as president. The ministry of defence will be under the president as he represents the symbol of sovereignty of the nation.

The political parties will decide who will occupy the positions of advisors under the caretaker government. All the advisors will remain answerable to the president as well as to the chief of caretaker government.

No party chief and general secretary could be included in the caretaker government cabinet.

During the tenure of caretaker government the advisors in no way could attend any party meeting in the central office but he/she can visit his/her own constituency for election campaign. But this visit should be restricted and limited.

Why this kind of system? It is an established fact that one party will be the winner, getting more votes than the other in the election. The defeated party will blame the caretaker government whatever way the election is held. But when every party has representation in the caretaker government, questions of neutrality cannot be raised.