Is Nepal heading for a political instability?

Peace with the Maoists is the key to hold new elections since the ultras may go back to the path of violence breaking the current ceasefire with the government if their 'cause' fails to make any headway in the near future.

The picturesque land of Nepal has been in international news for last few years for a variety of reasons but unfortunately mostly in negative perspective since political problems and a gruesome massacre of the mainstream royal family during the period have virtually put this South Asian nation on the vortex of an instable situation. The country is the host of the headquarters of seven-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since the regional forum was launched in 1985 and more remarkably, the effective monarchy took a back seat there since 1990 when democracy was introduced following a pro-democracy movement that achieved its avowed objectives. However, the functioning of the parliamentary democracy has not been smooth as politicians from rival parties and those belonging to factions of main political party Nepali Congress squabbled forcing midterm polls. Alleged corruption by the persons at the helm also contributed to the waning confidence of the people in the new democratic pattern even though there is no iota of doubt that it is the representative government that is wanted by the countrymen who remained for long under the single person monarchy rule.

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Late King Birendra did not try doggedly to cling to power when mass commotion was clear for democracy in Nepal but at later stage politicians failed to live up to the expectations in providing a clean and welfare-oriented administration. As such, when prime minister like Girija Prasad Koirala was forced out of office following corruption charges involving aircraft of the Royal Nepalese Airlines, few shed tears for him but biggest casualty was the credibility of the politicians. Then again, when Koirala and Sher Bahadur Dubey, both from Nepali Congress, quarelled over ascendancy in the party and the later became the prime minister, the country suffered further political setbacks. But it was the royal massacre more than nearly three years ago that left King Birendra, his wife Queen Aishwarya and most members of the family dead in ghastly incident that stunned and shocked most in and outside Nepal. The official account that crown prince Dipendra killed all in a fit of anger as a sequel of altercations with his parents is hardly acceptable to an ordinary Nepalese and the matter still remains shrouded in mystery. The killings brought King's brother Gaynendra to the throne as the crown prince had also reportedly shot himself to death after killing the King and others.

But present King's time is being viewed with increasing controversy mainly for the reason that an impression is gaining ground that he is seeking to take back the executive powers to the monarchy. He dismissed the elected government of prime minister Sher Bahadur Dubey and installed royalist Lokendra Bahadur Chand as prime minister, who, however, had to step down recently as political parties continued an unremitting agitation describing the developments as unconstititional. The King then appointed Surya Bahadur Thapa, another royalist as the premier turning a blind eye to the nominees of the political parties. Five of the six major political organisations had chosen Madhav Kumar Nepal from the Communist party as the probable prime minister till new elections are held but the King opted for his own choice. This has further sharpened the differences between the monarch and the political parties. Consequently, the future course of developments in Nepal seems unhealthy unless the monarch takes fresh steps to bridge the differences with the potiticians.

It is also important that the King also assuages the feelings of the Maoists, who have criticised the appointment of the new prime minister as "at the influence of the United States and India". The Maoists, fighting since 1996 to topple the constitutional monarchy, shot into prominence in last two years because of a series of battles with the government forces in which both sides suffered heavily. However, they agreed to a truce and have so far held two rounds of dialogue without much progress though. The third round is due soon but the new developments are casting an uncertainty on the future talks although new prime minister Thapa has vowed to continue contacts with the rebels. The long-running revolt has earlier claimed more than 7000 lives.

Political instability is sadly stalking the South Asian nation which is struggling to establish a democratic edifice. True, strain on the inexperienced democracy causes occasional problems for the country and the role of a section of the power-hungry or money-hungry politicians only help to impede the development of the representative government. But there is no alternative to democracy as the system was gradually growing through experiments and trials in Nepal. Popular monarch Birendra remained steadfastly committed to democratic system after he quit executive power in 1990.If the new King, in this or that form, wants to enjoy more executive powers, as alleged by the politicians, it will be a big mistake. Nepal must exercise democracy with overdue fresh elections taking place as soon as possible and a more vigorous effort be made for a settlement of the Maoist problem which has been crippling the country. Otherwise, political instability and other problems loom large for a nation which can ill afford myriad difficulties in quick succession.

Zaglul A Chowdhury is a senior journalist.