Turn for the better in Nepal

The king has finally bowed down to the articulate popular will and in doing so has chosen a wise course of action. It is good that he has accepted that remaining in power as an autocratic ruler in the face of people's pressure was no longer tenable.

The opposition parties, too, deserve commendation as they have shown themselves willing to moderate their demands in the grater national interest.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Most importantly, the people of Nepal have shown great maturity and restraint, for which they deserve praise. The demonstrations could easily have descended into total chaos and the people could easily have dug in their heels for a more complete solution. But they did neither and have very wisely accepted the king's compromise.

Much remains unclear and unsettled. The Maoists have not accepted the deal and have vowed to continue blockading the capital and all other cities, saying that free elections to a new constituent assembly is their minimum demand.

The continuing role of the king is also uncertain and needs to be resolved. The Maoists may yet be brought into the elective fold. The reconvened parliament could be the first step towards a constituent assembly to draw up a new constitution.

We certainly hope that the Maoists will be brought into the political process. Compromise has already achieved much, and we hope that the maturity and statesmanship shown by all parties thus far will continue with respect to incorporating the Maoists into the democratic mainstream.

What is clear is that whatever road Nepal takes it must now be in line with the wishes of its people. The people have shown that their will can no longer be over-ridden. The aspirations of the public must be reflected in the political dispensation agreed to and the social fabric of the nation must remain intact.