Member of Parliament Professor Biman Prasad has renewed calls for the repeal of the Political Parties Act and other measures he described as “draconian” impositions of the previous government, saying the laws have hampered the operation of political parties and stifled open campaigning ahead of the next election.
Speaking to this newspaper, Prof Prasad said his party — and others — had struggled to function under the current legal framework. “Running a political party with the current laws had been a challenge,” he said, adding that attempts to revise the legislation had not yet succeeded. He accused the earlier regime of introducing rules designed “to control and manage their opponents,” and urged their removal so that all parties could campaign “without fear.”
Prasad specifically called on the Attorney‑General and the Government to prioritise changes to the Political Parties Act and related statutes, pressing for amendments to be brought to Parliament quickly. “We need to get rid of those laws so that come the next election, everybody is free, without fear, and are able to campaign and articulate their policies and the work of their political parties,” he said.
The MP’s comments represent the latest development in an ongoing debate about political freedoms and the legal environment for party activity. Critics have long argued that the Political Parties Act imposes onerous requirements and penalties that deter grassroots organising and public engagement. Supporters of the laws have maintained they are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and the integrity of the electoral process. Prasad’s public appeal increases pressure on the government to outline a timetable for reform.
Prasad emphasised that substantive change will be meaningful only if reforms are comprehensive and enacted in time to shape the conduct of parties and candidates during the campaign period. He warned that piecemeal adjustments would not address what he sees as structural barriers to effective political competition and free expression.
The Attorney‑General’s office has not yet responded publicly to Prasad’s request. Government ministers will face a busy parliamentary agenda ahead of the next general election, and any move to amend the Political Parties Act is likely to prompt debate across the political spectrum about balancing free political activity with safeguards against misconduct. Prasad’s call makes clear that at least some MPs want rapid action so that the next electoral contest takes place on a more open footing.
Leave a comment