Maoists’ success heralds new Nepal

23/04/2008

Nepal is set to abolish its monarchy for the first time in two centuries after the Maoists have unexpectedly claimed victory in elections held earlier this month.

Although results have not been officially announced, the Maoists have the most seats but not an overall majority as a result of the polls, which took place relatively peacefully on 10 April.

The Maoists’ leader, Prachanda, said last weekend that he would head a new government, and is looking for King Gyanendra to step down voluntarily, rather than forcing him out of office.

Maoist supporters (above) and a queue for a polling station (left)

In spite of their ten-year, bloody rebellion against the government – where 13,000 people were killed and 100,000 displaced – the Maoists have proved hugely popular with the public in these elections. People are encouraged by the party’s promise of lasting change and their desire to help the poorest of the poor in a nation where a third of the population live in poverty.

BMS World Mission has more workers and partners in Nepal than any other country. Here are the first-hand thoughts and impressions from a few BMS workers on the situation in Nepal as it stands on the verge of radical change.

David and Jenny Browell in Kathmandu:
“Free education, free health check-ups, fair access to government positions, strong economic growth, and a greater say for Dalits and the many ethnic minorities in Nepal are among the Maoists’ aims. They need to help Nepal break the vicious circle of poverty. We live in exciting times and are unsure how the changes will affect us. We remain optimistic.”

Alan and Megan Barker in Surkhet:
“An election won’t solve Nepal’s problems. A new constitution and new system of government of itself won’t change much either. We pray that the new leaders will have a desire to seriously address the many difficulties that continue to blight the land and the people.”

Iain and Fiona Craighead in Pokhara:
“The election day passed off peacefully. The turnout was high and our local polling station had an atmosphere more akin to a picnic. Although the counting is not quite complete, the Maoists appear to have won by a huge margin. No one is disputing the result and therefore it does seem as though we may be about to experience a period of peace and stability that Nepalis have not enjoyed for some time.”

Martin and Katrina Butterworth in Kathmandu:
“There are some major issues that need to be resolved urgently such as the ongoing fuel crisis. The indigenous people’s complaints are also loud and it is difficult to see how they can be addressed. Nepal definitely needs ongoing prayer that the government will be honest, that people will be realistic in their expectations and that the key agenda of doing something to help the poor is actually addressed.”

Click the links to read additional articles about the election day and the what life is like for the poor of Nepal.

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