Political Terms for dummies

As constitution drafting process is coming to close there seems to be lot of misconception among general public regarding the various political terminologies being used in preamble of constitution. This confusion is somehow fueled by  political parties with ulterior motive attempting to misquote everything for their own gain. Which is eventually resulting into a vitriol rather than civilized public debate . So here I try to explain few of these terms from what I have understood so far, please correct it if I am wrong:

i. लोकतन्त्र (Democracy): rule of people. Especially rule of majority. Majority can make law

ii. गणतन्त्र (Republic):  There are certain laws  that cannot be voted away by majority. Safe guards minorities. It protects the rights of the individual and doesn't matter what a majority says. FOr example: Freedom of speech.

iii. जनतन्त्र (People's republic): This is not in our constitutional draft and used in communist state. This implies rule of people has been established and hence it cannot be voted away by majority. It is extreme form of republic.

iv. धर्मनिरिपेक्षता (Secularism): This implies parliament cannot draft laws based on writing , belief or teaching  of any particular religion. In US separation of church and state is based on this. Also India is secular country but Muslim communities insist on Sharia Law. For example in Muslim countries Alcohol and Pork is banned while in Hindu state Beef is banned.

v. बहुलवाद (Pluralism): According to this any group of people, unions or lobby group not necessarily political party can have say in formation of government . For example Engineers Association, Doctors Association etc can directly participate in political process.

vi. बहुदलबाद ( multi party system): Only those political parties registered in election commission can be able to participate in political process. Other groups like association, unions or lobby group can only put  pressure indirectly.

vii. समाजबाद (socialism): Social ownership of means of production. The main agenda of government is to create a welfare state. In Nepal's draft constitution it is mentioned that Mepal will be socialism oriented country.

viii. समानुपातिक बन्द सूची (Close List): Those who will be elected from proportional voting will be decided by party after the election result. Nepal is following close list system, parties do mention all the names of potential proportional candidate but the selection will be ultimately after the election. Personally I feel this as most un-democratic aspect of our current constitution.

ix. समानुपातिक खुल्ला सूची (Open List): Contrary to close list here the parties have to declare in serial order who will be elected into the parliament when proportional threshold is crossed before election.

 x. रास्ट्रियता (Nationalism): Political belief of making nationalistic pride as main agenda. Followed by King Mahendra and Panchayaat system. Any poltical belief that contradicts with national interest will be outlawed.

xi. प्रत्यक्ष निर्बाचित कार्यकारी प्रमुख (Direct election of head of government): In this system head of government is elected by direct popular vote. This is used in France , Ireland etc but contrary to popular notion  even in US it is not practiced, as POTUS is decided by Electoral college ( That was the reason George W. Bush won against Al gore in 2000). In Nepal this was advocated by Maoist ( Direct election of president) and  UML (Direct election of Prime Minister). Both of the parties main line has abandoned this now.

xii. अप्रत्यक्ष निर्बाचित कार्यकारी प्रमुख (Westminister System):  Popular in most commonwealth country including India where Prime Minister forming a government must have majority vote of confidence in Parliament. In Nepal this model has been proposed in new constitution draft.  Nepali Congress adamantly supports this. Critiques says this will result in same old political bickering, buying selling of member of parliament  and will ultimately result in unstable government. Meanwhile proponents of this oppose direct election as it can lead to devaluation of parliament.