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Nepal: Setting New Examples

Written by Talha Nazar  •  Region  •  July 2008 PDF Print E-mail

Transformation of Nepal from a monarchy to a republic has been nothing less than astounding and remarkable. Not only the revolution that led an end to the 240 year old monarchy has been peaceful but also its conversion to a secular state has been received with minimal hue and cry. Not only that, but there has been no sign of foul play or vicious remarks from the victors or the former King. While the champions accepted and celebrated their success without flexing their muscles, the bested Gyanendra acknowledged his downfall with grace best suited for a person of his stature or former stature for that matter. Nepal is now a secular, democratic country. The transition was peaceful but the leaders have to settle their differences to ensure that the political environment always stay serene.

Moreover, the failing monarch did not manoeuvre any soiled plot in order to retain his power. This is very unlike to the character of unpopular leaders who are willing to go to any length to hold on their glory and supremacy.  Why go far when similar example is present in the recent political scenario of Pakistan. President Musharraf sensing his rising unpopularity, out of desperation banned the media, imposed emergency and deposed more than 160 judges – a failed attempt to grasp his losing position. Instead the former Nepali King not only accepted the will of his people but also left his palace peacefully, unlike Pervaiz Musharraf who is still residing in the Army House.

Another amazing aspect of this revolution is the Maoists who were known as terrorists and for 12 years fought in the hills and jungles of Nepal came out as the largest single party in the elections. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, they came forward abandoning their arms and fought an election for the sake of democracy in their country. This gave the world a whole new perspective of the many terrorist groups working around the globe and the fact that they are not intent on hurting people but want what is best everyone but have no way of acquiring it.

Moreover, the way people of Nepal ousted the King who was once thought to be the earthly form of Hindu god signifies that though they are a deep rooted religious nation, when it comes to deciding their fate, they don’t rely on astrologers but prefer to take matters into their own hands. It shows that the Nepalese are ready to be led by leaders who are chosen by them; the people are ready for democracy.

Now that the revolution has brought about desired changes, the present government of Nepal – a seven party coalition administration is running the government. However, after facing almost no conflicts prior and during the transformation phase, there are some issues which keep surfacing up causing a rift in the coalition government.  A number of disagreements exist between the major political parties: the Maoists (Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist), the Nepali Congress Party and the UML (Communist Party of Nepal — United Marxist Leninist). These disagreements include differences over the stepping down of the current prime minister, who will become Nepal’s first president, and over the disarming of the Maoist militias and their integration into the Nepalese Army. It seems that the Maoists might be the first corner to break-off from the seven parties government block.

 The CPN-Maoists and the UML both oppose the attempt by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, a leader of the Congress Party, to become the president. But the two parties disagree on other points, including the Maoists’ use of their militia to attack the UML and other political opponents.

Moreover, judging the unwillingness of the two major parties, Prime Minister Koirala has stepped down from his position. A touch of smart politics by the ex-premier who while keeping his reputation clean also managed to  show the world that Nepal’s  interest means more to him than anything else.

At the moment, the Nepalese parties have the power give an altogether new face to Nepal. They can either stay lost in their own interest or distort the concept of democracy like so many nations of the world or they can sort out their differences and set a new example of a democratic state for the world to look up to. It is for the Nepalese leaders to decide.


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