Nepal’s getting Better
After almost three weeks of demonstrations in Nepal, it seems things are moving for the better. Recent developments hit headlines and frontpages around the world. Rather than add to the flurry of news reports, let me just post a few comments I picked up while following the demonstrations on various blogs.So finally, the King gave up his powers and re-instituted parliament in his speech to the nation on Monday, April 24. Given his apparent disinterest in people’s demands and hiding behind his brutal Royal Nepalese Army during the protests, there is no question that the absolute Monarchy is on its way out. The current mood seems to be divided between calls for a Democratic Republic or a ceremonial Monarchy, with very little or no political powers for the King’s dynasty.
After, the Tuesday’s victory celebrations, the real challenges for the Seven Party Alliance are only beginning. A new prime minister has been announced: GP Koirala. Anyone who has been following Nepal’s politics in the last decade knows that he is a controversial choice for the post. As a former head of the gov’t of Nepal, he had been accused of nepotism and corruption during his premiership. Rare in politics nowadays but he was given a second chance, to redeem himself. Not an easy task.
The other encouraging news came out today: Maoist rebels declared a three-month unilateral cease-fire. This should put pressure on the parliament to speed up the way to a constituent assembly. The Maoists believe it will lead to abolition of the Monarchy and as they said before, only then will they disarm permanently and end their uprising. That remains to be seen??? My guess is it might work but only if other parties bring them into political mainstream. Again, not an easy task, when one remembers that a few years ago the same politicians and Maoist leaders were outright enemies.
There are still many obstacles and no one really knows where Nepal will be a year from now. But the next few weeks are extremely important for the politicians to put the people’s demands into effect and jump-start the road to a democratic Nepal, with or without the King.
