Democracy News

Government and Maoists Renew Constituent Assembly in Nepal
June 7, 2010
By: Benjamin Russell | Printer Friendly

Nepal’s ruling Nepali Congress party, led by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, has come to an agreement with the country’s Maoist party to extend the term of the Constituent Assembly for another year, according to the Sri Lankan Guardian.  Weeklong protests by Maoist supporters in early May sparked concern that the assembly’s term would expire on May 28th without any political reconciliation, but the two sides came to an agreement shortly before the deadline.

The deal, which contains provisions for a temporary power-sharing agreement, will give the two sides a year to create a permanent constitution and settle their disagreements, most notably over the integration of former Maoist soldiers into the state’s security forces.  Finding consensus will be difficult, however, as neither side seems willing to budge on the most contentious issues, according to BBC News.  

The general strike in early May lasted for six days as the Maoist party demanded that Prime Minister Nepal step down and that they be allowed to lead a national unity government.  The strike was eventually lifted in response to public frustration over business closures, but the Maoists have threatened to renew their protests after accusing Nepal of reneging on a verbal agreement to remove himself from office.  According to Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Prime Minister’s resignation would create an “appropriate environment for dialogue and consensus.”

The Maoists fought against the state for 10 years before putting down their arms to become the country’s single largest political party in 2006.  They have refused to give up control over their armed forces until a national constitution has been drafted.

For more on the Maoist strike in Nepal, please see:
Nationwide Strike in Nepal Threatens Stability

Sources:

The Economist – Nepalese Precipice

Sri Lankan Guardian – The Impasse in Nepal: The Roles India Can Play

BBC News – Maoists Call off Strike after Six Days

AFP - Nepal PM Vows to Stay Despite Maoist Demands