Carter Centerโs international election observation mission in Nepal released its 5-point observations and recommendations yesterday
“Now is the time for the government of Nepal to demonstrate its genuine intention to hold a credible constituent assembly election on November 22, 2007. The parties must come together to convince the people of their dedication to this goal, take immediate steps to gain the confidence of marginalized groups, and address the poor security environment so that the peace process continues to progress.” –former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
This statement presents the observations and continued findings of the Carter Centerโs international election observation mission in Nepal. In March 2007, the mission deployed 13 long-term observers (LTOs) representing nine different nationalities throughout Nepal to assess the political and electoral environment in the period leading up to the constituent assembly election. The Centerโs observers have visited all of Nepalโs 75 districts, in many cases multiple times, reaching not only to district headquarters but also to the village level.
The observations and recommendations below build upon the Carter Centerโs previous pre-election statement and are based on information gathered by the Centerโs headquarters staff and long-term observers in meetings with electoral authorities, government officials, political party and civil society leaders, security officials, Nepali citizens, and representatives of the international community.
The Carter Center conducts election observation activities in a nonpartisan, professional manner in accordance with applicable Nepali law and international standards for election observation as set forth in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. The Center coordinates closely with other international and domestic observer delegations and publishes statements of its findings and recommendations on its Web site: http://www.cartercenter.org. The goal of the Centerโs mission in Nepal is to demonstrate international support for and provide an independent assessment of the constituent assembly election process. The Center hopes that its activity will help ensure a credible process that is accepted by the people of Nepal and which serves to consolidate the gains of the ongoing peace process.
INTRODUCTION
Nepal has embarked upon a challenging and historic process of transition to sustainable peace and inclusive multi-party democracy. A critical component of this larger process, as laid out in the November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), is a constituent assembly (CA) election that will lead to the drafting of a new constitution. Despite the issues The Carter Center outlines below, the Center continues to believe that a Nov. 22, 2007, election remains an achievable goal for Nepal. However, as time is now short and another electoral delay may undermine the legitimacy of the government, urgent, unified, and effective action is required on several fronts.
The primary burden of effort rests upon the governing Eight Party Alliance (EPA), though there are important roles for marginalized groups, individual political parties, civil society, and the international community to play. Thus far Nepal has made remarkable strides in a short period of time and all stakeholders โ not least the Nepali people themselves โ are to be commended for this substantial achievement. However, it is essential that the government and other stakeholders commit to addressing all pending challenges promptly in order to solidify the gains of the peace process and ensure continued progress.
KEY POINTS:
1. Demonstrate commitment to a credible constituent assembly election in November
Reports from Carter Center observers indicate a gap in trust between the people of Nepal and the present interim government, particularly at the central level. There remain doubts about the commitment of all parties in the Eight Party Alliance to the Nov. 22 election date. Recent Maoist pre-conditions relating to the declaration of a republic and large-scale revisions to the electoral system, made after all-party agreements were reached on these topics, do not help to instill confidence. Additionally, continued Maoist violence and aggressive behavior force the public to question the Maoistsโ genuine interest in participating fully in the democratic process. The recent agreement between the government and a Janajati alliance is a positive and praiseworthy development. However, Nepalis from other historically marginalized groups remain concerned by what appears to be a lack of serious commitment to ensuring that they are sufficiently included in the ongoing political process. Finally, the fragile security situation, particularly in the Terai, provokes both short and long-term anxiety about the countryโs future direction.
At present, there are only approximately 100 days until the planned CA election. Thus, from an electoral standpoint, the country is at a period in which discussions on changes to the election system must be brought to a close. Any final adjustments should take place immediately or be postponed for future elections in order to ensure the Election Commission has adequate time to prepare for the November election. Another electoral delay may undermine the legitimacy of the present interim government, which has as one of its core mandates the holding of the constituent assembly election. The Center is encouraged by the unity between the eight political parties that has been maintained throughout the peace process thus far, and is hopeful that they will sustain such coordination throughout the constituent assembly election.
The EPA government should take immediate and visible steps to restore the faith of the Nepali people in its commitment to the November constituent assembly election. An all-party statement pledging to conduct the election on time and abide by a code of conduct, backed up at the local level by political party election preparation and programs, will demonstrate the governmentโs dedication to the task at hand.
2. Take practical, concrete steps to address the concerns of marginalized groups
The CA Member Election Act has incorporated significant provisions for the inclusion of marginalized groups, which The Carter Center believes will ultimately have a far-reaching impact on Nepali politics and society. Additionally, The Carter Center congratulates the government and the Janajatis on the recently agreed 20-point understanding and hopes that this will set a positive precedent for other agitating groups. Other historically marginalized groups in Nepal such as Madhesis, women, Dalits, Muslims, and the disabled continue to press the government on a variety of demands. Some of these are specifically related to the election, such as the call for a fully proportional electoral system. However, many of the grievances go beyond electoral concerns. Regardless of the category, in most cases the main concern appears to be that the government is not sufficiently responsive and may not fulfill even promises it has already made.
In order to gain the trust of these marginalized groups and ensure they do not become spoilers in the CA election process, the government should not only continue with its ongoing negotiations but also implement specific, practical actions to gain these groupsโ confidence. This is especially important in the Terai given the widespread mistrust toward the government. Additionally, the Center hopes that marginalized groups will realize that it is neither possible nor advisable to resolve all of their demands before the CA election. Some issues, such as state restructuring, are arguably best left for popularly elected representatives of the Nepali people to debate so that the final decision is viewed as legitimate. Moreover, the Center encourages these groups to consider that the gains to be had by holding the election under the currently proposed electoral system are likely to be greater than those achieved by stalling it. Compromise will be necessary from all sides to ensure that the peace process moves forward.
The government should promptly implement all agreements reached with marginalized groups, continue ongoing negotiations, and take further action in line with the spirit of the interim constitution. Additionally, leaders of marginalized groups should keep in mind the short time period left before the CA election and seek reasonable compromises so that their constituents are ultimately able to reap the benefits of the constituent assembly process.
3. Agree on a comprehensive security plan for the Terai and the rest of the country
The poor security situation in various parts of the country presents worrisome implications for the election. In particular, the Carter Centerโs LTOs continue to receive reports of violence, extortion, and abduction by armed groups in the Terai. While the Center believes that the unrest could be significantly calmed if the government, through negotiations, takes additional timely measures to address the legitimate grievances of the Madhesi people, it is also necessary to simultaneously develop and implement an effective security plan in collaboration with Madhesi leaders to address ongoing criminal activity. Force should be used strategically and sensitively so as not to contribute to further alienation. However, it is of the utmost importance to re-establish police posts and ensure that well-trained, inclusive security forces receive sufficient political backing from the central level. Adequate security is necessary not just on election day, but also throughout the electoral process in order to allow for sufficient preparation by district election offices, voter education groups, and political parties.
Additionally, Maoist cadres and the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) persist with activities that violate the May 2006 Code of Conduct. The Maoist leadership is in a difficult position, having both to live up to their agreed commitments in the peace accord and to mollify increasingly vocal hardliners questioning the benefits of the peace process. Other political parties should consider that it is in the nationโs interest to help the Maoists with their successful transition to peace. Such support could include realistic discussions on how best to address the issue of the YCL and a willingness to engage in preliminary discussions on difficult questions regarding Security Sector Reform (SSR) and the process for integration of the Peopleโs Liberation Army and Nepal Army laid out in the November 2006 arms management agreement.
However, the Maoists should also realize that their aggressive behavior continues to negatively affect the ongoing transition process and does not serve them well in their attempts to win the hearts and minds of the Nepali people and the international community. Maoist and YCL cadres need to cease all such behavior in order to demonstrate to the people of Nepal their desire to play a positive part in the ongoing peace process. Finally, if the upcoming constituent assembly election is to take place in a free and fair environment, and if voters are to be allowed to make informed choices, all political parties must be allowed to move and campaign freely across the country โ regardless of their ideology.
The Center reiterates the need for the EPA government, in direct consultation with all relevant stakeholders such as Madhesi community leaders, to jointly develop a comprehensive and effective security plan in order to ensure a conducive environment in the Terai and around the country throughout the constituent assembly election process. Continued Maoist and YCL violence and aggressive behavior force the public to question the Maoistsโ genuine interest in participating fully in the democratic process; all acts in violation of the Comprehensive Peace Accord must cease immediately.
4. Maintain electoral focus and momentum
The Carter Center is encouraged that the interim legislature-parliament has passed the Constituent Assembly Members Election Act. This Act sets out the electoral system for the CA and represents a significant step forward in electoral preparations. While there are a number of technical issues in the Act that remain to be resolved before the electoral system can be implemented, the Center is confident that the Election Commissionโs regulations and directives will, for the most part, be able to remedy the existing gaps.
However, numerous provisions in the Act seem to place excessive trust in the political parties, with few mechanisms for accountability should they not live up to this trust. The most significant is the political decision to allow parties to assign candidates from the proportional representation (PR) list to the seats the party has won after the election. This practice has been used in only two other countries, Guyana and Serbia, and was widely condemned by observers as non-transparent for the voters and encouraging excessive party control over candidates. There is no reason to believe that its effects will be any different in Nepal. Additionally, it is possible this provision will further exacerbate internal party tensions as the party leadership engages in the controversial process of picking its winners, rather than providing resolution and closure in an already fragile, post-conflict context.
Consequently, political parties should submit and publish ranked candidate lists even though it is not required by law, in order to demonstrate their interest in allowing their own partyโs voters to know exactly who they will be electing. Parties that do not follow this model should at a minimum ensure that after the election they pick competent individuals who are seen as legitimate leaders of the groups they are chosen to represent. The Center also strongly recommends that this provision for unranked PR lists not be carried forward in any future elections in Nepal.
The Center is supportive of the quotas for marginalized groups laid out on the proportional representation side of the election; however, the system ultimately selected is likely to be logistically complicated to implement. Though other, smaller marginalized groups (such as Muslims) were intended to be provided for under the interim constitution, they have been left out in the election law and the โother groupsโ category transformed into a reservation for all other Nepalis. The likely result of this new interpretation of the constitution will be that the โotherโ category is filled entirely by Brahmins and Chhetris.
Finally, confusion exists among the Nepali public over how the election system will actually work, and has resulted in suspicion from various marginalized groups that the government will use loopholes to deny them their rightful seats. It would behoove the government to ensure that accurate information is widely circulated in order to allay unnecessary concerns. There are several other outstanding electoral issues including legislation on the Constitutional Court and a final decision on electoral constituency boundaries that must be addressed in order for the Election Commission to finalize preparations for the CA election. These should be addressed immediately. It is also suggested that the Election Commission consider an extended period of party registration, given the postponement of the election from June to November. This could potentially provide an additional avenue for inclusion of marginalized groups by re-opening the opportunity for them to field political parties.
Given that the election is only approximately 100 days away, any final adjustments to the electoral law must take place immediately. Additionally, the Election Commission should remedy the existing technical gaps in the electoral law, clarify provisions that are causing confusion, and consider extending the period for political party registration. The government is also encouraged to make all outstanding legal and electoral decisions related to the Constitutional Court and the electoral constituency boundaries immediately. Finally, the Center highlights its serious concern regarding party selection of winning proportional representation candidates after the election and encourages parties to publish ranked candidate lists voluntarily.
5. Ensure a widespread, coordinated and effective voter education campaign and domestic observer presence
As noted in previous Carter Center pre-election statements, the government, Election Commission, political parties, civil society, and the international community have important roles in creating far-reaching and effective voter education and awareness campaigns. Providing the people of Nepal with opportunities for discussion about the special role of a constituent assembly election and how the new mixed electoral system will work will allow for an educated electorate that is able to make an informed choice on election day. Some encouraging efforts are underway by the election commission and civil society groups.
Additionally, an impartial and well-coordinated domestic observation presence is important for the constituent assembly election process. At present, there are several networks of organizations planning to observe the election, and the Center encourages these groups to work together to ensure that their efforts do not accidentally work at cross-purposes. There should be no competition between these different alliances as they all have the same goal: a non-biased, comprehensive review of Nepalโs electoral process. Donors and partner international organizations should encourage such collaboration while also stressing the importance of impartiality.
The Center encourages the government, the election commission, political parties, civil society and the international community to collaborate in order to implement a successful and far-reaching voter education campaign. Additionally, domestic observer groups should coordinate to generate plans for impartial and comprehensive election monitoring throughout Nepal.
CONCLUSION
Nepal continues to make significant progress in its ongoing peace process. The passage of the Constituent Assembly Members Election Act and continuing preparations by the Election Commission are positive signs that preparations are on track for the Nov. 22 election date. However, a strong, visible commitment from all political parties backed up by action on the ground as soon as possible is necessary in order to ensure that the agreed-upon goal of a November constituent assembly election is achieved. A second electoral delay is likely to harm the interim governmentโs credibility domestically and abroad.
Challenges remain and must be addressed quickly given the short timeframe. There is a need for the present government to build trust with the people of Nepal and specifically with historically marginalized groups in the manner it has successfully done so with Janajatis. It is also necessary for the government, in conjunction with all key stakeholders, to create and implement immediately an effective security plan for the country and particularly the Terai, where the involvement of security forces with substantial Madhesi participation and Madhesi community leaders will be of the utmost importance. Finally, the Center encourages the government to maintain electoral focus and momentum and for all relevant actors to participate in widespread voter education efforts and well-coordinated, impartial domestic observation efforts. None of these obstacles are insurmountable given sufficient political will and commitment by key actors. The Center believes that the above measures, taken in sum, will significantly contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive for the conduct of the November constituent assembly election.
The Center offers the above observations and recommendations in the spirit of cooperation and respect, and with the hope that they will provide useful discussion points for future action. The Center wishes to thank the Nepali officials, political party members, civic activists, and citizens, as well as representatives of the international community who have generously offered their time and energy to facilitate the Centerโs efforts to observe the constituent assembly election process.
“Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.”
The Carter Center celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2007. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Please visit http://www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.
United We Blog 
Comments
131 responses to “Carter Center Election Observation Mission in Nepal: Latest Report”
“Fishing trip, caught one.. good for dinner if not enjoy the sun, sand and sea…”
thats why carter center is here.
I wish somebody at last starts talking about campaign financing. When MPs are looking for ROI on the money they spent from their pockets for the election, corruption is institutionalized in the parliament and in the state.
Why does a failed US president wants to come up and screw up a already crewed up country. The rhetoric he and his foundation advocates is evedine that they are far divorced from reality. I just hope that this is the case in Nepal and they have not cloned this methodology in all the other countries they claim that that they are involved in. Maybe its high time that one realizes that peanut farming is better for retirement than meddling in affairs of countires that that the oundation is totally divorced from the indegenous feeling and the national interest that the nationalist nurture here. i think its high tme that these so called dogooders got off the gravy train.
Carter should stay away from Nepalese election. Because there will be no election for now. Even maoists will not allow maoists to participate in the election.
Yeah, we’ve now got Maoists “breaking away” from the “central leadership”. What’s going on?
The situation is getting more and more ridiculous.
How many still beleive that CA elections will be held????????/
Sikkim Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling says that Nepali should learn from Sikkim. He goes on to say, We the Sikkimese have “Democracy but we do not have the right to self rule”, we have “rights but not the sovereign rights”, we have all our religion, language, and culture(that make up a nation) but not a country.
When UN with its hordes of people-more than 500 can live in lap of luxury in Nepal- do you think they have any intention of leaving or finding a solution early. As for Carter- his relevancy to Nepal is not more than photo ops.
I’m surprised by the ignorance and prejuidice shown in these comments about the work of the Carter Center. Simply smearing Carter and his group is childish and pointless. They bring well-known and well-tried expertise to this difficult work. No one else is trying to do what they do, and the Nepal government needs help. There are basic principles of fairness and political neutrality which are difficult to implement in a country that is so politically polarized as Nepal. So if you believe things should be done differently, then make your suggestions. If you want peace and a democratic government, then tell us how that can happen. But name-calling and general negativity about these efforts is merely adding to the state of confusion and hopeless that is part of the problem.
By whatever means CA is held, I don’t think ethnic groups will accept the new constitution made by eight thugs or brahmin dominated parties. Either Carter foundation is foolish or they are ignorance to realities.
Naturally nepalese people are used to not trusting governments. Blame the previous centuries.
Carter centre looks excellent they have job opportunities and are related to a University. The mistrust towards USA has similar roots. I see that University has something with quaker background that is excellent they have a lot to do with activities in the field of peace work, their meditation is to sit in silence.
tell me something that i do not know already. If only the politicians had been more serious about building the nation, maoist more serious on having multiparty democracy and the king more serious on giving power to the people, we would have never arrived to this point.
It’s quite clear that the Maoists are trying to defer the CA elections for as long as possible with one excuse after another…after all they came to power with the help of the gun not the ballot box. Unless they are planning something it seems to me with all the indiscipline and hooliganism shown by the Maoists and their YCL they are getting weaker day by day. It would be really good to be finally rid of these thugs.
And all those mindlessly criticizing the Carter Center, UN etc shame on you lot. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world…look at how the ICRC are helping the flood victims…we need all the help we can get. I know the UN and the other INGOs/NGOs can be bureaucratic and corrupt as hell…but really Nepal would be worse off without them. After all it’s not us who fund them but the developed countries. You as an individual maybe well off but most of our country men are very poor…when it comes to receiving a gift horse in the mouth some of you guys really take the cake!
We have to make election successful to throw monarchy from Nepal before that we have to rein in Maoist.
Why pay too much attention to what Mr. Carter and his henchmen in Nepal are saying?
The King had asked for 3 years no more and instead of trying to assist the process the lot of you gave him hell from the first month then ended the whole effort in a year with a janandolan and invited the maoists in with red carpet treatment. What else did you all expect? Peace and democracy, sensible parties, maoists towing the multi party line and laying down arms? Did you really believe all this hogwash? A real f’ing shame. Fooled once, twice, and again and again and again by the same b1oody bunch. All for what?
Hawa:
I almost agree with you there. G asking for 3 years was hawa. He would have continued to rule Nepal. No one likes to give up power like that.
It’s never happened. But compared to the SPAM and what Nepal is going through I would be fine with G’s rule!
still longing for the king…you guys make me laugh! Get over it…monarchy is dead…and with the character of the Nepalese monarchy rightfully so.
Kirat, with all due respect, time and time again you have been proven to be wrong! Your assessment of the Maoist was highly inaccurate. Your prediction that Nepal would take a turn for the better after Jana Andolan II was WRONG. Furthermore, I remember having this long heated debate with you about wheather the people themslves can act as check and balance mechanism in Nepal. You have since admitted that you were wrong again in your assessment.
I say put the Monarchy back on the table. Maybe it’s not even realistic but we sure as hell aren’t in any position to be cocky and write anything off.
Everyone here this: THE SINGLE BIGGEST BLUNDER IN THE HISTORY OF NEPAL AS A COUNTRY WAS TO SHAKE HANDS WITH THE MAOISTS. Period.
‘เคฏเฅ เคค เคเฅเคเคพเคจเฅเคเฅ เคธเคพเคเค เคชเฅ เคฐเคนเฅเค, เคธเคฌเฅ เคเคฎเฅเคฃเฅเค เคฒเฅเคเฅเคจเฅ เคเคคเคฟ เคเฅเคเคพเคจเฅเคเคพ เคชเฅเคคเฅเคฐ เคชเฅ เคฐเคนเฅเคเคจเฅ’
เคญเคจเฅเคฐ เคเคธเฅเคฒเฅ เคเคฐเคพเคฏเฅ เคญเคจเฅ เคคเฅเคฏเฅ เคฎเคพเคเคฌเคพเคฆเฅ เคนเฅ | เค เฅเคเฅเคจเฅ เคชเคฐเฅเค เคคเฅเคฏเฅ เคเฅเคฐเคฒเคพเค..
‘?? ? ???????? ???? ?? ????, ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ???????? ????? ?? ??????’
???? ????? ????? ??? ???? ??????? ?? | ?????? ???? ???? ??????..
Maoist ideology is crazy because it is only destruction. It was a valid reaction. It has outdated and outserved its purpose.
Oah oah oah….spaM,
Aren’t they great to divide our nation in the name of ” Historical changes and New Nepal ?” I don’t know how these leaders still manage to talks loud infront of Nepali people. The Nepali people already started to loose the confidence with them. That is why they always say ” spaM should unite forever.” This slogan not for the democracy and peace but to grab the power forever.
The moaists have forced the publication of The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post to close down. They have also meted out the same treatment to HBO fm. Yet people mud sling a benevolent and powerless king who has been relegated to a common man. Compared to maoists, the king is a saint. The reason our country is in a mess is because of half-baked fools who can’t discern the right from the wrong. BTW, I have very little sympathy towards what’s happened to THT & AP or HBO because they were the ones singing praises of maoists not too long ago. BTW, the coward Nepalis seem to have an extraordinarily high level of tolerence to Maoists atrocities. But if the king so much as visits a temple, the bangle-wearing Nepalis can’t tolerate – that would be an unpardonable offence. Imagine if the king had murdered 42 innocent passengers in Madi chitwan, the institution of monarchy would end then and there and the king would have been tired at the international court at Hauge for crimes against humanity. But, because it was the maoists that killed them so we will not even bat an eyelid. To cap it all, the maoists have threatened to kill the remaining survivors of the Madi bomb blast. Yet the Nepali media remains tight-lipped about the heinous crimes prepetrated by the maoists on a DAILY BASIS. What does it take for you guys to realize that Maoists are blood-thirsty extremists who have zero value to human life than the 15000 innocent people that they have already murdered?
I think the debate now should be ways to minimise the growing forceful influence of Maoists and the means to check them. As it is proved time and again that SPAs are just dumb pigheads and King G also no longer ignites much influence, I guess,the sole resort for Nepali people is NA(does anybody has any other wayout??). They still have that will and might to tame these jungalee beasts.Although maoists and even SPAs trying their hell out to demoralize and disentegrate people still think everything is not lost yet, spoken unspoken,seen unseen many people still believes Army would come out of barracks if these beasts try to go even more wild.
Isn’t it time to start supporting NA beofre it’s too late??
we are al doomed,
and the people who have unprecedented hate the monarcy. does history and culture mean anything for you. there are developed countries like england , spain, japan where the royal family is looked upon as national heritage. look at america what past has it got, look at china destroyed everything representing the past and now they trying to recuperate what they have left. do you not take pride in your history. dont you like durbar squares of the valley???? all the glorious temples, dont you respect other peoples faith. because when a person is poor faith is the only thing he or she got, of course noone should have the right to rule a country just because he is born to a certain family. we need a royal family that is inert in political field. but to eleminate completly the royal institution would be a biggest mistake actually bigger than joining hands with the maoist. already if you call yourself a nepali in the wide world most of the ppl say oh indian. we are on our way to loose ur identity. dont be short sighted. try to think about the wider implication on anything. and be rationable. its not to late. and the maoist is the biggest threat to our freedom. and they will destroy the nation. they came to power by force and they do not have any plan for nation building they just want to be in complete control. just like all the politicians before them.
Bhudai-I said give the Maoists a chance. Well that has been done…the Maoists have proved themselves incapable of following democratic norms… so that’s that. Chance over. If it wasn’t for the arrogance of the monarchy nobody would have shook hands with the Maoists…the king literally pushed the SPA and Maoists together…only a fool would deny that. So why would you want the Monarch back? Besides the Maoists are on the decline…it’s only a matter of time before they fragment totally and disintegrate. Don’t let the short term pains blind you from the obvious long term gains that are within our grasp. Wishing for the Monarchy to come back and save the day seems like taking many steps backwards to me. The ‘we are helpless, we need a hero to save us’ mentality. It would be nice for a hero to appear but that’s just sheer desperation and helplessness speaking.
S 1:17 -Are you joking? Look at how the Monarchies in England, Spain and Japan have behaved in the last twenty five years. By the way the US and China seem to be doing fine without any royal institutions. What are you on about?
we are not doomed but spa made us doomed. Girija made us doomed, Makune made us doomed, civil socities made us doomed, activists who gained a lot in spam’s rule made us doomed……
To get out of this mess:
1. Forget CA election.
2. Keep present legislative body until the next election.
3. Make Nepal Republic.
4. Elect President for one term of 6 years.
5. Elect 1 member from each 75 districts for National Assembly for one term of 6 years.
6. Let the local people decide on electoral district delineation and let them choose the members for the House of Representatives.
7. New parliament will make the permanent constitution.
kirat you seem very far sighted, far sighted enough that you Gave maoist a chance. visionaries like you should be in the pedestal next to your idol GPK, your types are the ones who seems to go more with the flow. im sure for you everything will sort itself out. and people will realize what a fool they have been all these centuries and suddenly they will strive towards democracy and equality. u r right on one thing we dont need a hero, what we need is a miracle.
all said i dont completly disagree with you, we are all in the same side fighting the same evils. but me i had my ideas clear from the start you on the other hand seem to be very confused. and jump on the loudest bandwagon of the moment. you are the one who need leadership more than anyone. if not why would you change face so quickly and so easily. you are the one who need a hero, see u need a miracle to admit what you need.
stop analyzing the nations situation like a foreigner and get involved.
o im sure you love amrikans and chinos.
Carter centre can not work for extrmist forces if does we consider that it is total intervention of our internal politics. Amnesia always following these types organization. Eventually this centre is trying wash -up blooded hands like those Maoist.
By the way who is this Hari Gautam? He seems like republican fanatics or zealots. His comment are mesmarized by hevens theologist but not exists in reality. Wake up Gautam ! Who ever you are ! (Soory for making fierce comment against you).
Bhudai Pundit ! This time I have differ with you. We can not express our sentiment against election process. This is universal object to creat lawful government or society. One thing I would like to make assure you . Maoist can not secure even 10% of total vote if elction held in free and impartial atmosphere. Monarchy is not going to throw away just by bunch of extremist forces. IN REALTY WE DO NOT NEED DAUD BUT WE NEED ZAHIR SHAH WHO CAN MAINTAIN STABLE COUNTRY FOR THE SOIL SAKE. This is lesson from Afganistan. We public has to learn this havoc results.
The Maoists DON’T want elections in the first place! And they are going to do everything possible to delay or stop the election process. They already realize that they are going to do very badly.
Look, I don’t have a problem if the new CA decides to do away with the monarchy altogeather. The CA will reflect the voice of the people and if they vote to do away with the King so be it. However, I am TOTALLY against declaring Nepal to be a republic because Prachanda says so!
Kirat,
No chance was given to the King, but here you are who admits to saying give the maoists a chance. What a joke, and now you think they will just go back to hiding. I’m afraid my short sighted friend once they have been let in, getting them out is impossible.
As or the King pushing the SPA and maoist together, well maybe in the year 2005 (but then the SPA had no intention to join hands with the King this was clear therefore the King’s rule), but since 2001 the King tried all sorts to come closer to the SPA, but since the SPA themselves seem to have be in cahouts with the maoists all along to save their own hides the SPA did everything to do away with the KIng including “giving the maoists a chance”.
Pundit,
The King would have held on for as much as possible you say, but three years was not even given in the first place. I doubt the King could have held on forever if he did a bad job, but when everyone just blindly brick walled him from day one nothing could be done, like I said instead of working to make it work the whole bunch of you did the opposite. One year ended the regime so all presumptions whether mine or yours is hawa.
On the other hand if he did a good job I bet everyone would want him there for more then his three years. But first who even gave him that chance?
Carter Foundation has to justify to its donors that it is doing something for peace. The document that it has produced exactly does so. Its a kind of a measure of ROI (Return on Investment) of the taxpayers’ money. Apart from that, all the leading players in the Nepalese politics will not give a damn what the Foundation has to say.
Whether the monarchy will stay or not is already decided by the Indians and the Americans. The current government and the SPAM are just doing what they have agreed to do…they will have right to rule and the monarchy will stay.
The longer they will postpone the elections, the more secure the place of monarchy (as a constitution one) will be. On one pretext or another they are postponing the elections. Each political player is taking its turn. Earlier there was ethnic crises which are not completely resolved. Then the Maoists. Soon it will be ethnic groups again. By the time, the will be held, there will be even more grave problems that posed by the monarchy.
Irrespective of what we say or feel, its long long way before something good will happen.
Well as per my theory, the Maoists were to be given a chance but if they proved themselves untrustworthy the govt. was to declare war on them. Sure it won’t happen too soon…but I can see it happening later if the Maoists keep this up.
S 1:17 it’s not a question of being right, like you claim to be (it’s easy with hindsight) it’s about having a clear memory of what happened in the past and not remembering it just the way you want to- like most of you guys seem to. Remember what was happening just a year and some months ago? The king was stuck in his Pokhara resort at the advise of his astrologer, the army was running out of bullets as the Indians, Americans and Europeans had put an embargo on arms export to Nepal, the Maoists were running amok everywhere except Kathmandu, the Govt. was on the brink of financial collapse, the people fed up with inefficiency of the King’s govt. just wanted change. The SPA was totally sidelined. The country was spiralling downards as a result of the disatrous stalemate between the forces of the king and the Maoists. At the that time who could say that the Maoists would not win? Only the most foolhardy royalists (who had already made their getaway plans).
Look at the Maoists now. They are a laughing stock amongst the thinking people. They have been kicked out of the Terai…they have lost support from the various indigenous ethnic groups. Their unity has been broken, they can’t control their own cadres. Meanwhile Nepal is no longer a confict zone a la Afghanistan, the headlines aren’t that scary anymore. It no longer is the no. 1 country for disappearances. It no longer is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Women and marginalised people are being empowered.
Sure a lot of things are still wrong and there is a long way to go. But 18 months ago we were staring down a dark tunnel with no light at the end. I can see a flicker right now but I guess you guys are too blinded by your prejudices to notice. Go ahead wallow in your rage and miseries…the common man in the street doesn’t care for the virus in your computer.
hawa…your memory seems to be just that. After two years of direct rule it was very evident to the man on the street what the kings agenda was : look after himself and his cronies. Look I believe the future of monarchy should be decided by the ballot, whether it be through the CA elections or via direct referendum. If the people vote to keep him, good. If the people vote to get rid of him, good. Where’s the problem?
Bhudai Pundit !
I agree with your comments that Maoist intention not to go in an electon with fair mind. Right now they are worse stage then tiny other communist parties. We must be clear that CA election not going to put throne in lacuna. This is a reflection Prachanda told to the reporters . He and his mercineries feel the instinct that there is no way they are going to win the election. And ther is no way they will have legitimate power in their whole life through voting system.
Kirat !
What is your basic ground to overthrow monarchy ? You are against maoist . Thats fine. But just to be republican I havent seen any sensible reason for you inteligentia. However I respect your comments heartly. If you go back to past King John to magna carta and bill of rights around Charles First are the basic example for republicans.
Im very clear for this election. Defeat extream forces like maoist in the election.And teach them a lesson.
In the light of what Nepal was sometime back lets not forget most of us did think it wudnt be a very bad idea giving some space to Maoists – they just cundt be made to disappear remember? besides with weak political parties and a very unpopular king we didnt have much choice.
Unfortunately they proved they cudnt operate in the fashion they promised, so its no point saying “i told you so”. In the light of the situation, we had to take a political risk and we did, and it didnt turn out that good.
But its not too late and its better now, Maoists are sidelining themselves and if cards are played right we can still be a republic tomorrow without them and without the king. so why call the king back?
With G and Paras back, one things for certain, we are back to panchayat days, sure things might be better than today but it will be even better without them. The nature is taking its own course to churn things and personally I can see a positive light in the horizon. Let it continue. Brining back G & Paras will make things unnecessarily complicated.
I had always believed and said here that Maoists were not as strong as they pretend to be. And its showing. CA will wipe them out for good. Lets sit back and enjoy.
We dont need monarchy to come and rescue us! From how things are going right now, we can rescue ourselves. Besides G has lost all credibility and relevance to pull this thing.
Kirat,
Talking about memories – Feb 2005-mid April 2006 is definitely not 2 years, it’s closer to one year. Not to forget sabotaged from the get go. When was it the 12 point agreement was hatched, early 2005 I think. My memory is’nt great but atleast it’s better than yours.
Patriot and Kirat,
Maoist are weak now, they are sidelined??? Yeah they are’nt going trigger happy just yet like days gone by, but it’s just a matter of time, – but beating the crap out of other party cadres, paralysing districts at their whim and fancy, taking the law into their own hands with noone to tell them anything, saying whatever they want and breaking the peace pact left, right and centre amongst many other items with the only verbal resistance coming from an ex-ambassador and a little whimper from the press who are now under their attack does not sound like a sidelined and weak party. And this without going gung ho with their guns which we saw a display of even recently in their party meet. look, no one is claiming that they are a popular party and they will probably not win a large number of seats if elections are held – BUT who says they are interested in elections?
Sidelined and a laughing stock amonsgt the thinking people!!!! And what have the thinking people done about the maoist atrocities – I’m afraid the thinking people are the laughing stock.
hawa-so you want your superman (i.e. KG) to come to the rescue? Really, who’s stopping him? The Maoists and the SPA? He’d be lucky to save his own throne…forget about the country and it’s people…that’s how competent your KG is.
Kirat,
Nepal is no longer a dangerous place – says you. Have you read the latest report that says that per capita we have the most number of murders. This is all developments after 2006. As for it not being dangerous for journalists well journalists would disagree – look at them being held hostage as we write. If you are talking about foreign journalists – when has it ever been a danger to them? Besides when the maoists go back to their old ways, you cannot imagine the state then – all thanks to giving them a chance.
Oh and the economy – you think it’s great when we are running more and more on donor money and we can’t even pay our fuel bills or provide fast relief to ten thousand flood victims? Financial collapse during the regime – another media and SPAM hype that you swallowed. But yes the donors did make sure to make it difficult but still we survived, but we did pay our fuel bills. This is what I meant by brickwalled from day one.
As for the maoists running amok everywhere except the capital – what are you comapring it to – they are now running amok everywhere.
But you are correct that the King was stuck – would’nt anyone with no support from anywhere. The same foreigners who brickwalled him now secretly hope they had thought otherwise and I’m not too sure that some of the major SPA partners don’t think the same way.
But you’re “give them a chance” moaists are here to stay for the worse.
Kirat,
It’s not a question of one man coming to the rescue. That has been tried and sabotaged from day 1.
Now it’s too late for all that, just enjoy your “give then a chance”,and maybe next time you won’t be so genorous in your givings.
Kirat,
Spa and competence are two words when combined wont make sense. Not only anyone but even anything is competent than the SPA. Even an empty prime ministerial chair would be more competent than your beloved GIRIJA. Get rid of GIRIJA and you have sujata or madhav or prachande. c mon man, can you really compare any living things with these demons?
Kirat,
“S 1:17 -Are you joking? Look at how the Monarchies in England, Spain and Japan have behaved in the last twenty five years. By the way the US and China seem to be doing fine without any royal institutions. What are you on about? ”
US and China are doing fine without any nepalis as well but does that mean get read of Nepal all together? Dont only look at how the monarchies in England , Spain and Japan have behaved but also look at how the political leaders in the same countries have behaved as well. Sometimes, you are such an idiot, kirat. I sincerly hope you are not comparing GPK with Tony Blair.
Patriot: you are an intelligent guy but you haven’t said excatly how getting rid of the Monarchy will make Nepal better. In fact no one has. Tell me someone what’s going to change? Since Janaandolan II the Monarchy has been sidelined. It’s almost non-existence – so what’s changed for the better?
Kiart – the thinking people? The thinking people have been the bane of Nepal’s existence. Our thinking people are useless, ball-less, brain-less, selfish pieces of sh*it. I liked those days when they are given a laat and sent to jails overnight.
I agree Gyanendra’s rule in those months following Feb 1st was dismal. He made many mistakes but boy oh boy compared to now those days were far better. Gyanendra’s biggest mistake was to irk India. If he didn’t do that Girija and the rest of the SPA would still be on the streets with their 20-30 supporters.
Why do we pine for Gyanendra? Oh God, if there was one thing I’d like to do now, its to put my footprint on his fat behind and send him packing off.
Everytime talk centers around Gyanendra, we forget that we need a way out and get nostalgic for the good ol’ days. Whether you thought Gyanendra was good or bad is irrelevant. He’s history. Lets simply leave him alone and go on, shall we?
God, countries have ditched their monarchies and have done fine without them.
And what did the ‘King’ do when he had the chance anyway? His army made no great inroads into Maoist controlled territory–in fact, the RNA ( as it was then ) had its weapons stolen from under its nose and used against it.
I’ll accept arguments on the army’s behalf ( without whom Gyanendra couldn’t function ). How many battles did it win decisively? As far as I know, it was a stalemate. The Army had better guns, but the Maoists were better fighters and knew the terrain better. Both sides used terror and violence.
So my argument is that if Gyanendra had remained, the war would have gone on. For who knows how long? And the costs would have been astronomical. And Nepal would have found it even harder to get up on its feet. And we’d have to have a ceasefire at some point. And Gyanendra himself would have to negotiate with the Maoists.
Which is what we’re doing with them right now. Only, without a further 5-10years of war and another 30,000 – 50,000 lives lost, millions more internally displaced, and the infrastructure looking like Afghanistan’s.
Bhudai – you do have a point when you ask how will removal of monarchy make Nepal a better place. You’re right no one has any idea how. But my reasoning is how will it not be worse off if G & Paras are around, and I dont think anyone will argue this either.
Think it like this – from the way it looks, Maoists are best positioned to lose or be marginalized. Madhesis hate them, Janjatis are taking their fights themselves. Say tomorrow they are gone and we allow G back, what would happen? There will always be a tug of war between G and SPA and our nascent/chance of democracy will always be threatened. We will plunge back to the panchayat days. After all army will get so fed up with SPA that they will happily go back to G allowing him to engineer another coup. Besides his successor Paras doesnt inspire me either.
Now lets take your point into consideration and call back G. What purpose will that serve? Maybe I dont know something which you can explain. I am assuming perhaps your reasoning is that Maoists need to be pressured and finished and only G can lead that campaign. If so, there are 2 flaws in this – 1. G already tried that and failed miserably, 2. if army was the solution SPA alone is equally in a position to use it plus they have the international backing which G didnt have (so I dont imagine our troops running out of bullets).
So you see, monarchy has seriously lost any use or relevance to Nepal. They dont inspire unity, they dont inspire respect. I understand many people now are not sure if they want to do away with monarchy totally, but thats only due to Maoist behavior. Its a feeling out of desperation and some vague hope and speculation that perhaps there might be a role monarchy can play to save this country. Its not out of love or respect. And I am those other few who can see it through and say NO.
Again, you keep proposing getting G back. Personally I have nothing against him. If you can explain to me how monarchy can add value to the process, I am more than willing to change my stand and invite him with open arms.
Bhudai – admitted we took a political risk with the Maoist that turned out a nightmare. In the light of circumstances then, we had no choice but to give them a chance. Not out of love for them but for lack of alternative. SPA were mute dumb asses then and G was screwing up the whole time squandering whatever chances he had to finish Maoists (which perhaps he could’ve done had he not pushed SPA & M towards each other). We took a risk and fortunately now that risk seems to be correcting itself.
G has already proved what he is capable of. We dont take risk with him again. We take risk with only the unknown, not with something we know about.
Bottomline – justify monarchy’s value-add/relevance and I will change my stand.
In a nutshell to your response – removal of monarchy will make Nepal a better place simply because its existence will make things worse than it already is. Unless of course he has any value to add to get the country out of the current mess, which I cant see how.