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Nepal elections: Surprise winner!
THE stunning showing by the ultra-left Maoists in Nepal's historic elections may have surprised many, but their resounding success is being seen as a kind of logical development for changes towards a "New Nepal" that attracted the ordinary voters. A variety of promises, highlighted by drastic economic and social reforms along with a tough anti-monarchy stance, helped them win the hearts of the masses in a country where the throne ruled for long and conventional political parties failed to deliver when they were at the helm. The final result has not been announced, but indications are clear that the once dreaded radicals will be in the driving seat in changing political dynamics.
Nepal held the much-awaited landmark elections on April 10, belying fears of large-scale violence. The polling has by and large been smooth barring sporadic incidents of violence, which is not unusual in the elections in this part of the world. The casting of votes has been more than 60 percent, which is also commendable. Their performance -- the hitherto underground organisation that has contested a conventional election for the first time -- is an area of immense interest for many for obvious reasons. The favourites -- the Nepali Congress led by prime minister G.P.Koirala and Communist party of Nepal headed by Madhav Kumar Nepal -- cut sorry figures in face of remarkable success by the Maoists.
Nepal last held elections in 1999, but the balloting this time has special significance as the country has elected a constituent assembly that will frame a new constitution against a background when the polls had appeared uncertain a few months ago. The elections were scheduled in November last but were called off as a sequel to growing differences between the seven-party alliance government and the Maoists. Later, the agreement between the government and the radicals on the fresh election date raised prospects that the country, convulsed by political mayhem in not too distant a past, was moving in line with the new "Road map" aimed at turning the picturesque land into a nation of political and economic stability. The Nepalese pin great hopes on a new era for their nation following this election.
A major factor in the polls is the fate of the 240-year-old monarchy. All major parties involved in the polls earlier helped the parliament pass a proposal asking the government to initiate legal preparations to declare the country a Republic, a key demand of the radical leftists. The decision by the parliament had come as a great relief, as the country was witnessing disconcerting developments centering this issue as some favoured the powerful throne to continue in the line of Britain and Thailand, but the Maoists are opposed tooth and nail to existence of the monarchy in any form.
Now that the polls have taken place, and the radicals have done very well, it is certain that Nepal is now set to abolish the monarchy. The parliament had decided in favour of doing away with the throne, but the final nail in the coffin of the monarchy will be driven in by the constituent assembly. All major parties that have taken part in the polls have pledged to abolish the monarchy, which now is now only a matter of time. The constituent assembly is expected to take the final decision in this regard in its first session.
With the just-concluded polls, Nepal is undoubtedly entering a new era. In 1990, the country introduced Westminster type democracy, ending effective monarchy, but was later robbed off this system. However, some politicians were also to blame for the situation as they failed to live up to people's expectations because of their corruption and abuse of power. King Gyanendra exploited this situation to grab absolute authority. His repressive rule turned the masses against him and, consequently, Nepal reverted to representative rule. The parties, including the Maoists, which were involved in the successful anti-King agitation promised to draft a new constitution for the country. It is against this background that the polls acquired great importance.
In the post-elections scenario, matters appear largely positive, butsome issues may arise when the results are fully announced.The Maoists, after, more than a decade's insurgency, came out from the from mountains and jungles and emerged as a force to reckon. Indeed, it is a great achievement for the ultras, who are still considered as a "terrorist" outfit by the United States. However, former US president Jimmy Carter, who was present during the polling as an international observer, said America should reassess its policy towards the Maoists following the public support reflected in the elections.
Prime Minister G.P.Koirala earlier rejected a proposal from Maoist supremo Pushpa Kumar Dayal, popularly known as "Prachanda," to induct his former guerrillas in the army. The government decision not to accept the Maoist army in the Nepal army has clearly infuriated the radicals, and this has caused a souring of the ties of two sides. But in the post-election developments, the radicals are likely to call the shots more effectively, and their cadres would find now a better chance of being incorporated in the 90,000 strong army, although this will remain a contentious issue.
However, there could be some problems as Nepal's army has had centuries old links with the royal family, and swore personal loyalty to the monarch until the caretaker government stripped the king of his position as the head of the army in May, 2006.
The established political parties and the Maoists with their new democratic character will now evidently be vying for political supremacy, but in a conventional manner. The results have raised hope that the radicals will not go underground again -- that might have taken place if they had not done well in the polls.
Promises of revolutionary land reforms, abolition of monarchy -- seen by many as source of poverty -- narrowing down of the caste-ridden system, removal of the economic disparities are some of the main reasons for the unexpectedly good showing of the radicals. The promise of "New Nepal" may be an illusion to many, nevertheless, it gave fresh dream of a sound political and economic system to the impoverished nation. While a clear picture of the post-election scenario is yet to emerge, there is little doubt that the country is on the anvil of drastic changes.
The bottom line is that a new phase is being ushered in to Nepal, and it is the bounden duty of all key players to seize the new opportunity to turn their country into a land of political and economic stability. The "Road Map" to new Nepal will meet with success if all concerned apply their wisdom in carrying forward the bright prospects being opened up by the much-cherished elections.
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