Political Turmoil in Nepal Threatens Recent Democratic Progress
By Daniel Hollingsworth
May 6, 2009

A political crisis sparked by disputes regarding the integration of former Maoists into the Nepalese army has led to the resignation of the Prime Minister and concerns over the preservation of recent gains for democracy in Nepal.  The Financial Times writes that the crisis began when Prime Minister Prachanda’s Maoist party accused the army chief, General Rook Mangud Katawal, of “disobeying their instructions not to recruit 2,800 fresh troops, amid a dispute about the integration of 19,000 former Maoist combatants – now being held in United Nations camps – into the security forces.”  Prime Minister Prachanda dismissed General Katawal, leading two parties within the governing coalition to withdraw in protest.  President Ram Baran Yadav, who belongs to the opposition Nepali Congress party, called this move by the Maoists “illegal and unconstitutional” and overturned the decision, leading to Prachanda’s resignation only hours later.

Voice of America reports that the integration of former Maoist rebels into the national army was a key condition of the 2006 peace deal that brought an end to the decade long civil war and paved the way to democratic elections.  General Katawal has resisted this move, saying that the political indoctrination of the former rebels prevents them from being able to join the army.  The Financial Times writes, “Nepal’s 100,000-man army is highly suspicious of its former adversaries, the Maoist rebels, while the Maoists accuse the army of refusing to accept the supremacy of the civilian government,” with Prachanda calling the President’s move “a fatal attack on the infant democracy.”

Supporters of both sides have taken to the streets in protest, and fears of a prolonged return to instability have been raised.  The Associated Press reports that Maoist protesters have “vowed to prevent a new government from being formed unless the president supported the firing of the country's army chief.”  Maoist lawmakers have joined in the protest, disrupting the Constituent Assembly with shouts condemning the president, forcing the assembly to close on Wednesday for the second consecutive day.  Maoist party members have also refused to participate in ongoing talks attempting to form a new government, and the Nepalese Congress party, second to the Maoists in the last elections, has begun negotiations with former Maoist allies to form a new governing majority.

 The Washington Post writes that President Yadav has set a deadline of Saturday, May 10 deadline for the formation of a new government, after which the interim constitution would require parliament to elect a new prime minister.  However, “the constitution is unclear on what would happen if no leader was elected and there is fear of a political deadlock.” 

Financial Times: Army chief’s dismissal splits Nepal

Voice of America: Nepal’s Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda Resigns

Voice of America: Political Crisis in Nepal Could Jeopardize Peace Process

Associated Press: Maoists vow to step up protests in Nepal

Washington Post: Nepal president sets deadline for new government

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