Reinstatement of Nepalese PM

Even though the elected governments did not live up to the expectations of the people as far as good governance is concerned, only a few might have relished the sacking of the last of the elected prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba by King Gyanendra on the grounds of being "incompetent." Political parties severely resented the dismissal despite differences among them, but the monarch stuck to his guns, and Nepal was robbed of a representative authority for the last two years. Finally, the king has seen reason and the return of the sacked prime minister is considered a wise move to fend off the continuing political turmoil in the country, which is also convulsed by a determined Maoist insurgency demanding dismantling of the monarchy and other

reforms. The latest development is a positive step because it will help calm the political unrest and may also have sobering effect on settlement of the ultra left menace.

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The woes seem to know no bounds. The massacre of the mainstream royal family nearly three years ago in a stunning palace development came as a rude shock as well as a jolt to the nation that was struggling to contain the Maoist insurgency since 1996. The radical leftists are opposed tooth and nail to the monarchy, which, however, was reduced largely to a ceremonial affair since 1990 when King Birendra, facing unrest, accepted the demand of democracy. Birendra

quit the scene as the effective head of the government, paving the way for the elected governments, which mostly walked tight rope because of majority problems in parliament or being afflicted by various issues. Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had to hang up his gloves before his term, after being charged with corruption. Sher Bahadur Thapa and Koirala later squabbled in the Nepalese Congress and the main opposition communist party gleefully watched the developments, but all were angered when the elected government was dismissed by King Gyanendra.

Earlier, Gyanendra himself took over as the new monarch in the aftermath of the killing of King Birendra and Crown Prince Dipendra. The event leading to the liquidation of the most members of the royal family including the Queen remains shrouded in mystery, even though official version largely blamed Dipendra for the massacre. The royal palace killings removed a popular king, who was known to be promoting democracy after he had given up as effective ruler. But the new king appeared somewhat different and Nepal was being governed by unelected prime ministers till the reappointment of Deuba. There was no prime minister for the last three weeks following the resignation of Thapa. Deuba's appointment filled a vacuum that was badly needed. But what is heartening is the return of the person who was an elected leader, but sacked at the whim of the monarch.

It appears that King Gyanendra was seeking to re-establish the authority of monarchy which was restricted to largely titular functioning since 1990. Taking advantage of the political instability coupled with the assassination of a popular king unwilling to meddle in the affairs of running the government, he spared no efforts to tighten grip in the affairs of the kingdom. There was no election since the sacking of Deuba and political unrest deepened causing discontent over the lack of popular government.

During the period, the Maoist insurgency also grew in intensity as they control vast areas of the country and often get involved in clashes or even battles with the army and security forces. They also call strikes across the country and another such spell is set from June 10. True, the elected governments in the past also did not make much headway in the complex talks with the Maoist, but the ultras were more favourably disposed to the democratic authority as their main objective is to turn Nepal into a republic.

The reinstatement of Deuba as prime minister is likely to help create better relations with the radicals, as dialogue now may yield positive result although the entire exercise is tortuous and very cumbersome. The Maoists, having made some gains in controlling areas of the country despite losses of their men and materials, may be keen to call the shots henceforth. As such it may be very difficult to carry forward the future negotiations with much success. However, the atmosphere now may be more congenial for productive outcome. But certain key areas remain unclear and these are crucial to development of the overall political situation in Nepal.

Whether the reinstated prime minister will be an effective head of the government or not remains a big question. Besides, the timing of the elections needs to be specific, and the king should make unambiguous his intention to bring back representative rule. Otherwise, dissent fuelling political unrest may continue to stalk the picturesque country. The latest decision taken by the king has come obviously as a bid to lessen the political unrest, but unless the monarch keeps himself away from the halls of governance and reverts to popular form of rule by co-operating and encouraging the new prime minister, Nepal may not come out from the dark shadow of political uncertainty which has been lengthening for last few years.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.