DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL POLICIES OF THE UNION DIRECTORATE B

- POLICY DEPARTMENT -

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

Hearing on

UPDATE -14 February 2006

Abstract: update on the political situation in Nepal following the local elections held on 8 February 2006

DGExPo/B/PolDep/Note/2005_ 017 14/02/2006

PE N° EN This note was requested by the European Parliament's subcommittee on Human Rights on 23 January 2006

This paper is published in the following languages: English

Author: Xavier Nuttin

Manuscript completed in February 2006

Copies can be obtained through: E-mail: [email protected]

Brussels, European Parliament, 14 february 2006

The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament.

2 KINGDOM OF NEPAL

1. Municipal elections

Municipal elections were held on 8 February 2006. The seven-party alliance as well as the Maoists boycotted the elections which, for lack of candidates, were contested in only 36 municipalities out of 58. According to the Election Commission some 20 percent of the over 1.4 million voters cast their votes in the municipal polls amidst reports of violences (two candidates were shot dead) and protests. In Katmandu metropolitan city turnout was only 14%. While political conditions prior and during the elections were unfavourable (see also footnote below provided by the EC Delegation in Nepal)1 , the general strike declared by the Maoists over the election period, as well as threats against candidates have clearly disrupted the elections. Home Minister Kamal Thapa however expressed satisfaction at the turnout while Chief Election Commissioner Keshav Raj Rajbhandari said that "Elections were held in peaceful atmosphere depite political hurdles ". The seven-party alliance declared that "The results of these polls would not be legitimate"

According to information provided by the Election Commission, the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (NDP) led by Home Minister Kamal Thapa won 26 posts of mayors (among which 9 unopposed) and independent candidates also won 26 posts of mayors.

A press statement issued by the UK said that, “The UK does not believe that the municipal elections in Nepal on February 8 was a meaningful exercise in canvassing the political wishes of the people of Nepal. The elections were tarnished by the efforts of the government to quash dissident by restricting civil liberties and the media. Those factors in no way justify the Maoists’ enforcement of a national strike with the threat of violence which also held some voters away and their intimidation and killing of candidates, which we condemn absolutely” . The United States, Japan and India also questioned the credibility of the municipal elections conducted in the country. The Government has rejected international criticism and confirmed that parliamentary elections would be held by April 2007.

2. The Royal Commission for Corruption Control

Following the February 1 royal takeover of 2005, His Majesty the King formed the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) to look after corruption related cases. The RCCC quickly fined and slapped jail sentences to several government officials and high profile political leaders, including Prime Minister Sher Bahaudur Deuba, on corruption charges. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court ordered on 13 February 2006 to scrap the RCCC considering that the body was unconstitutional. As a result, former PM and leader of the (Democratic) Deuba (member of the seven-party alliance) as well as former Planning Minister Prakash Man Singh were released from jail on 14 February. The Nepal Bar Association as well as most analysts, see the verdict as being in favour of the constitution and the rule of law, but also as another blow King Gyanendra, frequently accused of autocratic rule.

1 The government arrested about 700 protestors between 19 and 22 January to foil a single mass protest called by political parties. Most of the key leaders were issued 3-month detention orders, and the National Human Rights Commission teams found that the detainees are held in poor conditions. The UN and local human rights groups have accused security forces of ‘excessive use of force” against political protestors.

3 3. Prachanda : Nepal's Maoist leader

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known under the name Prachanda, marked the 10th year of maoist insurgency by giving rare interviews to the Post and the BBC. On both occasions he was accompanied by Dr.Baburam Bhattarai, ideologue of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The two had been in conflict a year ago over the party's leadership but Bhattaria was later rehabilitated and reinstated in his position. In the interviews, Prachanda claims a new willingness to discuss all issues with the Government and to accept all decisions that would be taken by an elected constituent assembly including that Nepal could remain a monarchy if that is what the elected assembly decides in the new constitution (however in the same interview Prachanda said that the only future he could see for the Kingwould be exile or trial). The 12- point agreement signed in New Delhi in November 2005 with the seven-party alliance was already a step towards recognition of democratic values and multipartism. Prachanda also suggested that if agreement is reached to hold elections, the Royal Nepal Army and the CPN(M) army should be monitored by the UN or a similar organisation and that later they could be re- organized into a new Nepali army

This more pragmatic approach, although Prachanda made clear that his party was a long way from abandoning its violent practices (see also footnote below povided by the EC Delegation in Nepal)2, may reflect the CPN (M) analysis that given the current balance of power , the party cannot attain its maximun objective of a communist republic.

2 The insurgency related deaths in January 2006 saw a whopping increase from the comparatively peaceful four months when the Maoist rebels were observing a ceasefire. At least 108 rebels, security personnel and civilians were killed. The Maoists carried out their violent campaign by bombing government houses in several district headquarters through out the month. They also reportedly abducted 50 people from Ramechhap and 200 from Sindhupalchok—both districts are located east of Kathmandu—during the month.

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