Just a flicker of hope

We must, however, point out that the trackrecord of dialogue initiation has not been all that inspiring up until now. Playing to the gallery, or outside pressure has often got the better of any ruling party striving for a genuine engagement with the opposition. We are afraid that even in reaching this stage of a positive-looking initiative, the prime minister has taken a long detour and that she basically did not approach the issue with robust positivism to begin with. Let's recall that the opposition leader had given out her detailed electoral and caretaker government reforms proposal before the parliament, but the prime minister responded to these only on the last day of the JS session before it was prorogued.

Moreover, the prime minister had originally suggested in her speech at the JS that there could be discussion on all aspects of the reform proposals. But then in a public forum subsequently she stated that the armed forces would be under the president as before in accord with the existing caretaker government provisions which is point of contention with the opposition. By asserting her view on the subject in public forum prematurely, she has shut the door she had earlier opened for discussion on all topics, at least partially. The question of tactfully handling the run-up to discussion in order to ensure that the overall atmosphere remains conducive to holding a dialogue can only be ignored at the peril of any prospect for talks.

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It is good sign that the opposition has shown a positive approach to the idea of forming a committee to address its reform proposals. This is an opportunity that must not be wasted. The government has to approach it without being cluttered by any prejudice and the opposition for its part should not be influenced by any pre-determinism that is bound to turn counter-productive. The ruling party, in particular, should be able to see the hazards of failing to rise to the occasion.