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Stating that credible elections are the first step in Nepal’s peace process, the chief of the United Nations Missions in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin emphasized taking into recognition the rights of ethnic and marginalized groups. He also asserted that the fate of election did not depend on the UNMIN as much as they did on the Nepali political leaders.
Apprehensions are also being raised over the likely impediments that the CA polls, scheduled for April 10, 2008, would face. These included the lack of acknowledgment of the rights of Madhesis. Madhesis leaders Upendra Yadav and Rajendra Mahato have threatened to unleash “a decisive agitation” in a non-violent manner, if their demands were not met1.
Prachanda also has called for putting off the poll process, asserting that the Seven Party Alliance needed more time to execute the twenty-three point agreement signed about three weeks ago2. Meanwhile, CPN (M) leader Baburam Bhattarai has stated that the Maoists would revert back to the armed struggle, should the polls be further delayed. In their statement the leaders of the SPA have stated that the terai issue would be resolved “once the polls are held3.”
- 1. “Madhesi Leaders Warn of Decisive Stir” The Himalayan Times, January 15, 2008, at: http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=aFanata0vgqzpba8...
- 2. “Prachanda for partially putting off poll process,” The Himalayan Times, January 15, 2008, at: http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=aFanata0wkqzpba8...
- 3. “SPA Leaders Warn of Armed Struggle If April Poll Spiked,” The Himalayan Times, January 19, 2008, at http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=6a1Qa5rco2am8&fo...